Surviving in the World: A snapshot of the Israel–Hamas War
Good morning. Welcome back to Surviving in the World (SIW), your newsletter written by CI students for anyone interested in global affairs. We always try to present select topics in global news in an easy-to-understand format.
This is Keonhee Ahn, your editor-in-chief. Today's letter provides a concise summary of the Israel–Hamas War, including its historical context, current situation, and future developments or expectations followed by a book recommendation on the long-lasting Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Brought to you by: Keonhee Ahn (’25).
Word Count: 547 / Time: 5 minute read.
Israel-Hamas war explained
The conflict’s history: The Israel-Hamas conflict, rooted in the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue, began with Hamas's founding in 1987.
The current 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas-led Palestinian militants on southern Israel, involving a barrage of rockets and a ground assault.
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This escalation was driven by tensions over the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the Gaza blockade, settlement expansions, and settler violence, prompting a severe Israeli military response
Map of the Gaza Strip (Source: wikimedia commons)
What’s happening: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has intensified and expanded beyond the immediate region.
Escalated attacks: Houthi rebels in Yemen, aligned with Iran, have escalated attacks on ships in the Red Sea as a form of retaliation against Israel's military operations in Gaza.
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disruption of one of the world's crucial maritime trade routes.
In Gaza, the situation remains dire. The Israeli military's siege of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital has led to deaths due to lack of medical care and the abduction of medical personnel.
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The damage to the Nasser Medical Complex, with casualties including a young girl, adds to the grim picture.
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The death toll in Gaza is reported to be nearing 20,000, with a significant number of women and children injured.
The Israeli assault on Gaza has led to the destruction of 104 mosques, including significant historical religious sites like the Great Omari Mosque, one of the most important and ancient mosques in historical Palestine
Israel-Hamas war updates: Israel bombs UN school, killing ‘at least 27’(Source: Aljazeera)
What to Expect: Expect continued military action from both sides, with Israel shifting to more targeted operations in Gaza.
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The political landscape in Israel might see shifts, depending on the war's outcome and public sentiment.
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Efforts for a ceasefire or peace talks might gain momentum, especially under international pressure.
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69% of Israelis, including 98.5% of the political left and 51.5% of the right where Netanyahu's government is, support new elections after the Hamas conflict.
Why you should care:
The attacks in the Red Sea demonstrate a disruption to vital international maritime trade routes, affecting global economies.
“Seoul is urging the swift and peaceful resolution of the conflict, fearing regional and global spillovers. But the Yoon government is also careful not to take sides.”
- Kayla Orta, expert on US security with South Korea
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