ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR 2023

➡️ ISRAEL-HAMAS War 2023 – Essential Guide to Israel's War on Gaza

Discover over 20,000 resources on the latest developments in this guide to the Israel-Hamas war.

We demand an end to the suffering and call for ceasefire, diplomacy, and disarmament.

Explore our essential categories on Hamas, Israel's atrocities in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, military support for Israel, international reactions, voices for peace, pro-Palestine protests, the BDS movement, wider regional conflicts, and international law:

For quick access to our comprehensive Gaza Guide click ➡️ HERE

The current war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023. Tensions have been building between the two militaries for many years during the Gaza Siege. Until recent years, civilians were enjoying a period of relative respite.

On October 7th 2023 Israel was shaken as the radical Islamist military organisation Hamas, officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, carried out a large-scale military attack against Israel. 1,139 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives - it was the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust. The strikes took Israel completely by surprise and left them largely defenseless.

Israel's retaliation led to the mobilisation of 300,000 reservists. The Gaza Strip was completely sealed off, and rocket air strikes were fired relentlessly, and indiscriminately. To date, well over 44,000 Palestinian lives have been lost by direct strikes alone, 72% were women & children and 90% were civilians (CommonDreams). As of April 2024 the following numbers of deceased have been recorded since the start of the war (Wikipedia):

• over 18,000 children and over 10,000 women

• over 685 aid workers and medical personnel

• over 199 journalists and media workers

Israels latest ground offensive, the invasion of Rafah, forcefully displaced one million people and has received widespread international condemnation. Declared as the last Hamas stronghold by Israel, this city is spilling over with displaced Palestinians, the majority of which are living in tents - evacuation of civilians is simply impossible.

What is the Humanitarian Situation like in Gaza?

Civilians in the Gaza Strip are suffering unimaginable atrocities. The 2 million people residing there are being punished for the actions of Hamas. Isolation and the brutal air raids have left them without shelter, clean water, electricity, food, and medical assistance. Many hospitals, schools and relief centres have been attacked directly by the Israeli army. 70% of the houses in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed and 90% of the people living there - 1.9 million people - are now internally displaced. Half of Gaza's population are children under 18 years of age.

The blockade of humanitarian aid and relentless airstrikes have resulted in starvation and famine amongst remaining civilians. The use of starvation as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime. 2.2 million people in Gaza are now experiencing food insecurity at an emergency level.

In a barbaric move, Israel has targeted the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) who provide vital education, healthcare, and aid to millions of Palestinians. Accusing them of collaborating with Hamas, Israel has severed all ties with the body and declared them a terrorist organisation.

Vast numbers of Palestinians in Gaza have fled south as the Israeli army attempts to free the remaining Israeli hostages, and to finish their assault on Hamas with a huge ground offensive. The Gaza Strip looks yet again to be the centre of a long and bloody battle achieving little more than suffering and despair on both sides. Negotiations, de-escalation, and peaceful coexistence are once again a forgotten option between the two military minded groups.

What are the Medical Implications of the War in Gaza?

Regarding the catastrophic humanitarian and medical situation in Gaza see Dr. Mads Gilbert and Susan Abulhawa on Instagram and the recent Lancet article estimating that about 186,000 deaths could be attributable to the current conflict in Gaza, which equals 7.9% of the total population of the Gaza strip!

The numbers being represented in the media of the death and dying in Gaza are vastly underestimated. Currently the UNOCHA is the main source of information however these statistics only cover those who came to a hospital and were able to be identified.

30 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have been destroyed or forced to close. Those that are open do not have the resources, electricity, sanitation, or medical supplies to treat people even with the simplest of illnesses or injuries. Doctors from abroad report vividly on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The official numbers do not include the thousands of missing people, those buried by their families, and the tens of thousands who were buried under the rubble of their own homes and shelters. The Palestinian Health Information System was destroyed by Israel making accurate numbers even harder to find.

The main causes of death now are not due to Israeli bombing campaigns but rather starvation, dehydration, and disease. 95% of people have been left with no access to clean water. The destruction of the sewage system has resulted in the contamination of water supplies. Diseases are being spread by flies, mosquitos, and rats who are thriving as mountains of garbage piles high.

People are dying every day from common diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. There have been 50,000 children born in Gaza since the start of the war, 25% of new mothers are at high risk of death due to inadequate healthcare and sanitation.

Common surgeries are not possible and mental health support is unavailable. Small illnesses have become a death sentence.

If we total all of this excess mortality, the number of deaths is estimated to be somewhere between 193,000 – 514,000. Shame on the world who look on and turn away. Shame on those who support the ongoing carnage and misery, especially the USA (and Germany). We ask, what are the ICJ and the ICC waiting for?

How is the World Reacting to Israel's War on Gaza?

So far, Qatar and U.S. mediated negotiations in Egypt have led to no ceasefire, nor have there been any serious official proposals for diplomatic solutions or peace talks (with the exception of Biden’s ceasefire proposal which was quickly rejected). So far, Western nations have merely offered their weak expressions of condolence and warned both sides to operate with restraint.

The situation however has now escalated far beyond what anyone could have imagined. In a show of solidarity, four more countries have announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine. The addition of Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia bring the total to 146 countries - one notable country missing being the U.S.

Well documented media bias has skewed coverage towards Israeli narratives since the beginning of the war. Broadcasts, newspapers, and online news have been rife with one-sided reporting, pro-Israel bias, dehumanising language regarding Palestinians, and censorship.

By legitimising Israel’s brutal military campaign and failing to call out war-mongering politicians, the mainstream media has played a significant role in the justification of Israel’s genocidal attacks on Gaza.

Support for Palestinians in Gaza has been demonstrated worldwide in a series of ongoing huge protests demanding ceasefire and condemning Israels attacks. Student pro-Palestine protest encampments have sprung up at campuses all over the world demanding an end to their university's complicity in the war on Gaza. Jewish activists have also been central to many of the largest protest movements. We highlight voices for peace and de-escalation, and provide a detailed guide to the pro-Palestine BDS movement and the arms embargo against Israel.

Western Military Support for Israel

In contrast, the United States provides Israel with $3.8 billion in military aid every year, and the bombs and military equipment that are destroying Gaza are made in America. President Biden fails repeatedly to stop Netanyahu. The UK, Germany and Canada also continue to provide military support for Israel and view their response to the Hamas attack as justified.

Learn more about arms exports to Israel, Netanyahu government accountability, and the Israel Defense Forces.

Wider Regional War - Iran, Lebanon, Yemen

Instability in the region is spreading as military involvement from Iran, Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon has turned the risk of a wider war into a reality. Israel has attacked five different countries since October 2023. Their recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah's top leaders sowed further chaos as both military groups have vowed revenge.

Prior to the attacks, both the Houthis and Hezbollah have pledged to put down arms if Israel ends its war on Gaza. However, emboldened with an endless supply of U.S. weapons, the right-wing Netanyahu government is committed to fighting all sides. Undermining all diplomatic efforts, how can mediation stand a chance if the negotiators from the other side are being assassinated?

International Law and the Gaza War

Genocide accusations and war crimes from both sides are being deplored by many leaders, NGOs, and the peace movement. South Africa's ICJ genocide case against Israel began 11 January 2024 and has received support from many countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, Turkey, Colombia, and Brazil, as well as scores of advocacy groups and civil society groups worldwide.

The ICJ ruling on January 26 stated that Israel must take all measures to protect civilians and avoid genocide, but it fell short of ordering a ceasefire. The ruling is a win for justice and the rule of law but still allows Israel to continue their military operations in Gaza.

After rejecting this genocide charge, PM Netanyahu has continued with the bombardment and blockade of Gaza. After realising that the ICJ could take years to reach final ruling, the UN Security Council in March finally passed a resolution which calls for an immediate ceasefire, and a release of any remaining captives.

In February 2024 the ICJ began hearing evidence against Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine. Separate from the genocide case, 52 countries, the largest number to take part in any ICJ case, presented arguments on Israels controversial policies in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Occupied East Jerusalem.

In July 2024, the ICJ opinion on Israel’s occupation and annexation of the Palestinian territories was announced. They declared Israel's occupation as unlawful and stated that its discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians violates the prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid. The court's ruling will not bind the UN Security Council or Israel, however it is hoped that the heavy weight of the ICJ will put pressure on Israel and its allies to conform to international law and prevent further genocide.

The ICC sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas leaders in May 2024 - Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh - for their role in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Deif and Haniyeh have since been assassinated, but the arrest warrants are expected to be approved in the coming weeks for the top leaders from both sides.

Where can I get Background Information on the Israel-Gaza War?

Discover over 25,000 resources on the historical conflict between Israel and Palestine in our detailed guides to settler atrocities in the West Bank, human rights abuses, peace efforts over the years, the economic impacts of the current war, Houthi involvement, important quality news sources, and warnings about media bias and censorship.

Find insight into Israel's end game in Gaza, their increasing use of AI and high-tech weaponry, and Israel's relationship with the ICC regarding war crimes.

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German speakers should visit our partner site Bessere Welt Info for further insight into the Hamas-Israel Krieg from a European perspective.

Author: Maximilian Stark 16.10.23, licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0. Translated and edited by Rachael Mellor 17.10.23, Updated 12.08.24.

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