The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing political and territorial dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, took a deadly turn. This exchange of violence brings to the forefront many complexities and the cyclical nature of violence in the region.

To understand the recent escalation between Hamas and Israel, one must delve into the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The roots of this dispute trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise of national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Jewish longing for a homeland in response to centuries of persecution culminated in the Balfour Declaration of 1917, wherein Britain expressed its support for a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. However, this clashed with the aspirations of the Palestinian Arabs, who formed the majority in the region.

Post World War II, the conflict deepened with the Holocaust intensifying calls for a Jewish homeland.

The UN’s partition plan of 1947, meant to split Palestine into Jewish and Arab states with Jerusalem as an international city, was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side. The subsequent declaration of the state of Israel in 1948 led to the first Arab-Israeli war. Multiple wars and intifadas (uprisings) have since shaped the trajectory of the conflict. Israel’s occupation of territories, including Gaza, after the Six-Day War in 1967, has been a major point of contention. The Palestinian territories have since witnessed heavy Israeli settlement, which many international entities consider a violation of international law.

Emerging from the First Intifada in 1987, Hamas was established as a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization. Distinct from the PLO’s (Palestine Liberation Organization) secular stance, Hamas combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism. Its charter, drafted in 1988, called for the complete liberation of Palestine and the establishment of an Islamic state in its place. While Hamas’ political wing has participated (and won) in Palestinian elections, its military wing has consistently carried out attacks against Israel. Israel, the United States, the European Union, and others consider Hamas a terrorist organization, while some nations and organizations see it as a legitimate resistance movement.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not merely a political or territorial dispute; it has a profound human cost. The residents of Gaza, in particular, have borne the brunt of this tragedy.

The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has been described as an “open-air prison.” With restricted movement, limited access to resources, and recurrent military confrontations, its inhabitants live under constant strain. Israel’s security concerns, stemming from rockets fired by Hamas and other factions, lead to blockades and military operations that heavily impact Gaza’s civilians. The blockade affects every aspect of life, from healthcare and water supply to economic activities. Israeli civilians near Gaza face constant rocket assaults, causing suffering and displacement.

Hamas’ devastating attack on Israel killed many people in the conflict. Many saw this as Hamas’ response to Israel’s alleged injustices against Palestinians and Al-Aqsa Mosque attacks. This Muslim holy place has been a hotspot in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. The Hamas attack’s devastating loss of life must be acknowledged, but context is key. Palestinians see it as a response to Israeli government oppression and brutality. Many believe Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack was excessive and disproportionate. Israel’s response has been criticised by several international observers and governments for its heavy toll on civilians, especially compared to the first Hamas attack.

Pakistan has been very vocal about its concerns. The country has appealed for prudence to protect civilians and end Israeli abuses. Pakistan has never wavered on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The country supports a two-state solution as the route to Middle East peace. Pakistan envisions a just, comprehensive, and enduring two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict based on international law and UN-OIC resolutions. Pakistan’s vision for a peaceful Middle East centres on a viable, contiguous, and sovereign Palestine. Our state would be based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan and other nations are growing concerned about Israel’s harsh and radical tactics. They claim such activities deny the region any chance of stability in the near future. With each fresh cycle of bloodshed, a peaceful Middle East free from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict looks more away. The international community must intervene now as Hamas and Israel escalate bloodshed. This conflict is cyclical, therefore without genuine action and resolution, more lives will be lost.

To conclude, Hamas-Israel relations are a bitter reminder of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s intricacies and tragedies. Many believe the excessive response emphasises the necessity for peace. Pakistan’s call for caution, civilian protection, and a two-state solution gives the international community hope of a just and enduring solution. And only then can the region hope for sustainable peace and stability.