Conflict in the Middle East

The conflict in the Middle East comes as a result of generations of dispute between Israel and Palestine over who owns, and who is entitled to, the land that is the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip has always played a pivotal part in the political dynamic of the surrounding region. Additionally, the place’s religious and military significance makes it a valuable piece of land to possess.

In January of 2006, the Palestinian people elected Hamas as a people’s government or people’s militia. Tensions built over time until war was officially declared on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli government estimates 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage on the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. According to Save the Children, over 10,600 children have been killed in the conflict waged in Gaza. As of January 2024, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Friday that the territory’s death toll has climbed to more than 26,000 people with more than 64,400 wounded in more than three months of war.