• ## Gaza as Israel Wages War on Hamas

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  The Gaza Strip, a densely populated and impoverished Palestinian territory, has once again become a battleground as Israel launches a military offensive against Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the enclave. The latest escalation of violence follows months of rising tensions and sporadic rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.
  
  

• ## Roots of the Conflict:

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  The conflict between Israel and Hamas has deep historical and political roots. Israel occupied the Gaza Strip, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Oslo Accords of the 1990s established the Palestinian Authority as the governing body for the Palestinian territories, but Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and Western countries, seized control of Gaza in 2007.
  
  

• ## Escalating Tensions:

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  In recent months, tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated over a number of issues, including the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory; the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank; and the status of Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians as their capital.
  
  

• ## Israeli Air Strikes:

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  On August 5, 2022, Israel launched a series of air strikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas military positions and infrastructure. The Israeli military stated that the operation was in response to rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza have responded by firing hundreds of rockets into Israel.
  
  

• ## Civilian Casualties:

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  Tragically, the conflict has resulted in civilian ?casualties on both sides. According to Palestinian health officials, dozens of Palestinians have been killed, including women and children. Israel has reported several civilian deaths as well.
  
  

• ## International Condemnation:

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  The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations has condemned the civilian casualties and urged both sides to exercise restraint. Egypt and Qatar are reportedly mediating between Israel and Hamas to try to broker a truce.
  
  

• ## Humanitarian Crisis:

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  The conflict has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Israeli blockade has caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The ongoing violence has also damaged infrastructure and disrupted electricity and water services.
  
  

• ## Long-Term Prospects:

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  It is unclear how long the current conflict will last or what the long-term prospects for peace are. Hamas has vowed to continue fighting until Israel lifts the blockade and ends its occupation of the Palestinian territories. Israel, on the other hand, has stated that it will continue its military operation until Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel.
  
  The international community has a crucial role to play in mediating a ceasefire and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. A lasting solution will require a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the political, economic, and humanitarian needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.
  

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Jeffrey Amankwah

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