Somnath Lamichhane
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced an unprecedented surprise attack. Thousands of militants of Hamas group infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza, launching brutal assaults on southern kibbutzim and nearby areas. This attack resulted in the tragic deaths of approximately 1,200 people, including 10 Nepali students working on Kibbutz Alumim Farm. The ongoing conflict marks the fifth major war between Israel and Hamas since 2008.
This was the largest and organized brutal attack on Israeli soil since its establishment in 1948. Hamas militants indiscriminately killed the elderly, children, and youth in their homes, turning neighborhoods into rubble. They also abducted 251 people, including women and children, taking them to Gaza. Hamas cited Israel’s blockade of Gaza, actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and forced settlements in Gaza and the West Bank as motives for the attack.
In retaliation, Israel launched extensive ground and aerial military operations against Hamas on October 27. With support from the United States and other Western nations, Israel aimed to eliminate Hamas and rescue the hostages. However, international medical journal The Lancet reported that over 70,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza due to Israeli indiscriminate bombardments, with differing figures from Hamas-led health ministry, which cited 46,899 deaths, including many women and children.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalated as over 100,000 Palestinians suffered severe injuries, and nearly 2.3 million residents were displaced, forced to live in tents under dire conditions. Reports indicate that 90% of homes in Gaza were damaged by Israeli airstrikes and ground forces. Amid allegations of ethnic cleansing, the International Court of Justice has filed war crime charges against both Israeli and Hamas leaders.
Israel also targeted Hamas leaders, with prominent figures like Yahya Sinwar killed in a ground operation on October 16, 2024, and senior leader Ismail Haniyeh reportedly assassinated during a visit to Iran.
Conflict Escalates to Lebanon and Iran
Israel expanded its operations to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, which it accused of supporting Hamas. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut reportedly killed over 800 civilians and numerous Hezbollah members, including key leaders. Meanwhile, Iran escalated tensions by launching over 100 missiles at Israel on October 1, 2024, prompting U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader Middle Eastern war.
Ceasefire Agreement: A Glimpse of Hope
After months of conflict, a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and the USA on November 24, 2023. Although the initial truce was short-lived, a new agreement has been finalized and is set to begin at 8:30 AM Israeli time (12:15 PM Nepali time) on January 19, 2025. Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, within six weeks, while Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. A Nepali student Bipin Joshi is still in the captivity of Hamas. According to reports, his name was not included in the group of 33 hostages, and he might be released in second phase. His relatives in Nepal have been desperately waiting for his safe release and come back Nepal.
During the ceasefire, Israeli forces will withdraw from major city areas of Gaza, and displaced residents will be allowed to return home. Humanitarian aid, including food supplies, will be permitted into Gaza under strict security checks. The UN’s World Food Program has urged all parties to ensure uninterrupted aid to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents facing acute food shortages.
The ceasefire agreement includes three phases: the release of hostages and prisoners, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the commencement of Gaza’s reconstruction. However, questions remain about Gaza’s future governance. Will Hamas continue its administration, or will another entity take over? The U.S. and Israel have yet to clarify their positions.
The people of Gaza, burdened by immense suffering, hope for a permanent end to these recurring wars. Many believe a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace, but its realization remains uncertain until now. #hamas #gaza #israel
