What's happened
As the Israeli-Hamas war marks its one-year anniversary, communities in Gaza and Israel reflect on the profound changes and ongoing struggles. Families have been displaced, lives shattered, and the scars of conflict remain evident in daily life. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate amid limited resources and ongoing violence.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the haunting reality in Netiv Ha’asara, where residents live in fear and isolation after the devastating attacks. Ms. Giller describes her village as 'empty, deserted,' reflecting the broader impact of the conflict on community life. In contrast, The Independent focuses on the plight of families in Gaza, such as the Al-Taweel family, who have faced multiple displacements and severe hardships since the war began. Amal Al-Taweel's account of her son's first year amidst chaos underscores the psychological toll on children. Jason Burke from The Guardian provides a broader context, detailing the scale of violence and the ongoing cycle of retaliation that has characterized the past year. He notes that the conflict has evolved into a dynamic stream of violence, complicating any potential resolution.
How we got here
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and a severe military response from Israel. This led to widespread destruction in Gaza and the displacement of millions.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Rafah is a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip. It is the district capital of the Rafah Governorate, located 30 kilometers south of Gaza City. Rafah's population of 152,950 is overwhelmingly made up of former Palestinian refugees.