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Israel has launched a military operation in Gaza following the October 7 attack by Hamas. Is this operation justified?
Given Hamas's statements on record, the only way the Israeli government can prevent similar attacks in the future is to fully dismantle Hamas. While Israel will try to minimize human casualties, it is utterly unreasonable to ask Israelis to coexist with Hamas.
When Hamas came to power in 2006 (following a fair election, as confirmed by the UN and US), they repeatedly sent peace feelers to the Israeli government. They were clearly looking for some sort of settlement. However, the Israeli government dismissed those peace feelers. Hamas and the Israeli government eventually entered into a ceasefire, but even that was broken by the Israeli government soon after it was initiated. If Israel agrees to a two-state solution, which they currently show no sign of doing, there is ample evidence that Hamas would also agree.
Regarding the specific video shared above from Ghazi Hamad, first, this is an unofficial message. Hamas’ updated charter, released in 2017, expresses agreement to co-exist with Israel. Second, the speaker begins by saying, “We should teach Israel a lesson.” This statement is key and frames the rest of his message. If Israel were to change course and respect Palestinian rights, there would be no reason “to teach them a lesson.”
It is irrational to ask Israelis to live alongside an organization fundamentally dedicated to destroying them. No other nation agrees to live under such conditions, and no nation is in a position to ask Israelis to do so.
Rejecting the state of Israel is in the old Hamas charter, not the updated one. It's also worth mentioning that when Hamas came to power in 2006, they repeatedly sent peace feelers to the Israeli government, which dismissed them all and later broke a ceasefire with Hamas. If Israel had responded positively to those gestures, we wouldn't be in this horrible situation today.
There is no evidence to suggest that Hamas or any other Muslim group intends to carry out military operations in Europe. This claim is propaganda by Israel aimed at securing military and political support from the West.
October 7 would have never happened if it weren't for the deeply oppressive policies undertaken by the Israeli government over the past decades. This includes unlawful settlements in the West Bank despite the recommendations of the U.S. and regular provocations at Masjid Al-Aqsa, a site sacred to Muslims. These places are part of Palestine, and Gazans consider them their homeland, as reflected in the name of the operation, “Al-Aqsa Storm.”
Israelis often cite security concerns to justify their actions. However, seizing other people's land is blatantly illegal (also see this) and is not self-defense. It will make bad precedent if countries start to occupy other countries and start making settlements there in the name of self-defense.
Finally, such violations undermine even Israel’s security, as demonstrated on Oct 7.
The attack was carried out by residents of Gaza, while the settlements are located in the West Bank, a different geographical area. Relating these two events is misleading.
When Hamas came to power in 2006 after a fair election, as confirmed by the UN and US, they repeatedly sent peace feelers to the Israeli government. This implied they were seeking some form of settlement and peaceful coexistence with Israelis. However, the Israeli government dismissed all these efforts. Although a ceasefire was later reached, it was soon broken unilaterally by Israel.
While it's true that Hamas at the time of sending peace feelers asked for the right of return for all refugees expelled from their homes in 1948—a demand not favored by Israel—one should note that, first, international law does recognize the right of return for expelled people, and second, Hamas presented it as a topic of negotiation, which Israel refused to engage in.
When Hamas, the most hardline Palestinian group, pursued peaceful coexistence with Israel, other Palestinian groups would have naturally followed, debunking the Israeli claim that Palestinians are a constant source of insecurity for Israelis.
Granting the right of return would have posed significant security concerns for Israeli citizens because it would have led to a mixed Palestinian/Jewish society. Palestinians harbor animosity toward Jews, which would have created constant distress for Israeli residents. Such practical considerations must be taken into account when evaluating Israel's policies.
Israel cut off electricity and water supplies to Gaza soon after October 7th. Additionally, food supplies to Gaza have been significantly reduced, with aid groups citing difficulty coordinating with the Israeli military as the primary reason. Evidence indicates civilians deliberately denied access to Food and water. Several humanitarian and government officials have indicated that the IDF has denied certain key items. Some Israeli citizens have also attempted to block aid trucks. These limited food supplies have led to the starvation and deaths of many innocent people, particularly vulnerable children.
These policies clearly constitute "collective punishment", which is strictly prohibited under international law. It is important to note that the popular Israeli argument of "collateral damage" does not even apply in this case.
Notably, all reports claiming that Gazans have received sufficient food come from Israeli sources, not independent ones.
Source: Middle East Eye/AFP/Omar al-Qattaa
Many human rights organizations are influenced by anti-Semitic sentiments. As a democracy, Israel upholds high moral standards in its military operations. A recent study finds that the food supply to Gaza is more than sufficient to meet the population's needs.
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