The Hamas–Israel Conflict

The Hamas–Israel conflict is a long-standing and deeply complex part of the broader Israeli–Palestinian struggle. It is marked by cycles of violence, political impasses, and humanitarian crises. Understanding this conflict requires exploring its historical roots, key players, and recurring escalation patterns.

What is Hamas?

Hamas, short for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya, is a Palestinian political and militant group founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, an uprising against Israeli occupation. Originating from the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas combines religious ideology with nationalist goals. It operates primarily in the Gaza Strip and is known for both its armed resistance and its political and social services within Palestinian communities.

Since 2007, Hamas has governed Gaza after a violent conflict with the rival Palestinian faction Fatah, which leads the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. While some Palestinians view Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement, Israel, the United States, the European Union, and other countries classify it as a terrorist organization due to its use of violence against civilians, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks.

Background to the Conflict

The broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict dates back to the early 20th century, centered on competing national claims to land and sovereignty. The 1948 Arab–Israeli War resulted in the creation of the State of Israel and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Gaza, under Egyptian control until 1967, was then occupied by Israel after the Six-Day War. Over the decades, both Gaza and the West Bank became flashpoints of resistance, occupation, and settlement.

Hamas emerged as a powerful force during the First Intifada, positioning itself as an alternative to the secular nationalist leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It opposed the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which sought a two-state solution, believing that compromise with Israel was a betrayal of Palestinian rights.

The 2006 Elections and Gaza Split

In 2006, Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian legislative elections. International reactions were mixed, and tensions between Hamas and Fatah quickly escalated. By 2007, after violent clashes, Hamas took full control of the Gaza Strip. This led to Israel and Egypt imposing a blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns. Since then, Gaza has faced isolation, economic hardship, and intermittent conflict.

Major Conflicts Between Hamas and Israel

The years following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza have been marked by repeated rounds of fighting, often triggered by rocket fire, military raids, or political provocations. The most notable escalations include:

• The 2008–2009 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead), where hundreds of Palestinians and several Israelis were killed
• The 2012 conflict (Operation Pillar of Defense), an eight-day exchange of rockets and airstrikes
• The 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge), which lasted 50 days and caused widespread destruction in Gaza
• The 2021 escalation, sparked by tensions in East Jerusalem, led to 11 days of intense conflict and significant civilian casualties
• The 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, the deadliest in Israeli history, resulted in over a thousand Israeli deaths. This was followed by massive Israeli military operations in Gaza, leading to thousands of Palestinian deaths and a worsening humanitarian crisis

Impact on Civilians

Civilians on both sides have suffered immensely from the conflict. In Gaza, repeated wars and the blockade have led to significant loss of life, infrastructure collapse, and poverty. In Israel, rocket attacks, infiltration attempts, and the psychological toll of conflict have left many communities in fear and distress.

International human rights groups have raised concerns about violations on both sides. Hamas has been criticized for launching rockets into civilian areas and using populated neighborhoods as military bases. Israel has been accused of disproportionate use of force and civilian casualties during its military campaigns.

International Mediation and Reactions

Various international actors have attempted to mediate between Israel and Hamas, including Egypt, Qatar, the United Nations, and the United States. Ceasefires have been brokered repeatedly, but none have led to a lasting solution. Diplomatic efforts are often complicated by internal divisions among Palestinians, Israeli political dynamics, and broader regional tensions.

Current Status and Challenges

As of 2025, the conflict remains unresolved. Hamas continues to govern Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority holds limited control in the West Bank. Israel maintains a blockade on Gaza, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling and attacks. At the same time, international calls for easing restrictions and addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza have grown louder.

There is no active peace process, and trust between the parties remains extremely low. Many observers agree that a long-term solution would require addressing core issues such as mutual recognition, borders, refugees, Jerusalem’s status, and the political divisions within the Palestinian leadership.

The Hamas–Israel conflict is not just a military struggle—it is a reflection of a larger political and human crisis that has persisted for decades. It involves complex narratives, historical grievances, and recurring cycles of violence. For peace to be possible, both sides and the international community must engage in genuine efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and work toward a future that guarantees dignity, safety, and rights for all involved.