Israel-Hamas War
October 7 marked the first anniversary of Hamas’s sur- prise, large, and violent attack on Israel. Last year on this day, Hamas, which is an armed Islamic group, launched an attack on Israel. They fired many rockets into Israel from Gaza and many of their fighters crossed the border killing many innocent people in Israel. Many others were taken as hostages by Hamas.
On October 8, 2023, Israel declared itself in a state of war. This October 7, 2023 attack started a war that is still ongo- ing and which has affected not only Israel and Gaza, but the wider Middle East and other countries too.
Israel responded with a ground military campaign and air strikes in Gaza with the aim to destroy Hamas. Israel has continued to bomb Gaza, which has not only destroyed the infrastructure in Gaza but also has killed and displaced many civilians. Hamas and Israel have fought many times, but this ongoing conflict is the largest outbreak of violence.
Israel says it will only stop its military operations in Gaza, when it has completely destroyed Hamas. The attack by Hamas on Israel outraged people in Israel and around the world. But Israel’s massive response has also shocked people. Many attempts to broker peace have failed.
Ever since then, fighting has escalated. As of October 2024, Israel is now involved in serious fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. Recently, concern has grown as Iran has joined the conflict.
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Recent Events
In recent months, fighting has increased in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon. According to Israeli officials, on July 27, 2024, a rocket fired from Lebanon killed some youths in a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled area of Golan Heights. Israel responded with attacks in Lebanon that killed many members of Hezbollah and many Lebanese civilians, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
On October 1, 2024, Iran fired 180 missiles into Israel, most of which were shot down by Israel’s air defence technology.
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Israel And Lebanon
About Lebanon
Lebanon is a country in the Middle East and borders Israel on its north. It also shares a border with Syria. The capital of Lebanon is Beirut. The population of Lebanon includes different groups of Muslims and Christians. Many refugees, especially people from Syria and Palestine, have come to Lebanon in order to avoid the violence and conflict back home.
Who Is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is an armed group and an organisation based in Lebanon. Hezbollah has some seats in the parliament of Lebanon and also enjoys a lot of support within the country. Despite not being a member of Lebanon’s armed forces, it commands the strongest military force in the country and controls several public services. Hezbollah supports Hamas. Just like Hamas, Hezbollah also opposes Israel.
Many countries like the US, UK, and Israel have classified Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. However, Hezbollah is supported by Iran.
Why are Israel and Hezbollah Fighting?
For many decades now, Hezbollah and Israel have also been fighting. Ever since the start of the war in Gaza, Hezbollah has attacked Israel many times in support of Hamas.
On July 30, 2024, Israel assassinated Faud Shukt, who was one of the leaders of Hezbollah. In response to the assassination of their leader, on August 25, 2024, Hezbollah fired around 300 rockets and drones at Israel. However, Israel defended itself by shooting the rockets out of the sky.
In recent weeks, Israel has carried out air strikes in Lebanon which they claim are targeting Hezbollah. On September 27, 2024, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in these air strikes by Israel in Beirut. Israel has also launched a major military operation in Lebanon including a ground attack in and airstrikes on Beirut and the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah has promised to fight back against Israel.
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