Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist military organization and political party. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas is the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip, which it has controlled since 2007.
Israel is a country in the Middle East on the Mediterranean coast. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Israel’s population is about 9.2 million, of whom 74% are Jewish.
Hamas and Israel have been in conflict for many years. Hamas’s stated goal is to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic state in its place. Israel considers Hamas to be a terrorist organization.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel has been marked by violence on both sides. Hamas has carried out rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and other attacks against Israel. Israel has responded with airstrikes and ground invasions of the Gaza Strip.
The violence between Hamas and Israel has had a devastating impact on civilians on both sides. Hundreds of people have been killed and injured in the conflict. The violence has also disrupted people’s lives and livelihoods.
World leaders have condemned Hamas violence for its devastating impact on civilians. In October 2023, world leaders gathered at a summit to discuss the conflict between Hamas and Israel. At the summit, world leaders condemned Hamas for its rocket attacks against Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Here are some examples of world leaders condemning Hamas violence:
- US President Joe Biden: “I strongly condemn the ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza against innocent Israeli civilians.”
- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: “I am deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. I condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron: “I condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians. They are unacceptable and must stop immediately.”
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “I strongly condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas against Israel. This violence is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Israel has the right to defend itself.”
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “I am deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all sides.”
The conflict between Hamas and Israel is a complex and difficult one. There is no easy solution. However, it is important to remember that the violence is having a devastating impact on civilians on both sides. World leaders must work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
What can you do to help?
Here are some things you can do to help stop the violence between Hamas and Israel:
- Learn more about the conflict. The more you know about the conflict, the better equipped you will be to speak out against violence and promote peace.
- Speak out against violence. Let your elected officials know that you condemn violence on both sides of the conflict and that you support efforts to find a peaceful solution.
- Donate to organizations that are helping civilians. There are a number of organizations that are working to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict. You can donate to these organizations to help support their work.
- Support efforts to find a peaceful solution. There are a number of organizations that are working to promote peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. You can support these organizations by volunteering your time or donating money.
By taking these steps, you can help to make a difference in the lives of people affected by the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
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