Israel at war after Hamas launches rockets from Gaza Strip

War has broken out once again in the Middle East.

The Associated Press provided this synopsis and timeline of the conflict that led to war: 

“Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns on Oct. 7, which coincided with a major Jewish holiday. The attack, which killed hundreds of civilians, stunned Israel and caught its vaunted military and intelligence apparatus completely off guard.

“Israel immediately launched airstrikes on Gaza, destroying entire neighborhoods and killing hundreds of Palestinian civilians in the days that have followed. The war has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. At least 199 people, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel.

“The leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, said in a recorded message that the assault was in response to Israel’s 16-year blockade of Gaza; Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at at the Al-Aqsa Mosque — built on a contested Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount; increased attacks by settlers on Palestinians; and the expansion of Jewish settlements on occupied lands Palestinians claim for a future state.

“The Hamas incursion came on Simchat Torah, a normally joyous day when Jews complete the annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll. Israel declared war the next day. Previous Israel-Hamas wars were in 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2021.”

The war does not appear to be ending any time soon.

Dr. Paul Adams, associate professor of political science, at Pitt-Greensburg said 

“My estimation is that Israel and many of Israel’s allies would like to see Hamas destroyed.”

The war in Israel also puts the United States in a difficult position, as the United States is also helping support Ukraine, as the war involving them and Russia continues. Now, the United States will be simultaneously tasked with supporting both Ukraine and Israel.

Dr. Kerry Manning, an assistant professor of political science at Pitt-Greensburg, agrees with Dr. Adams on how the United States will be affected.

 “It is much too early to tell how this new war will impact the U.S.,” Dr. Manning said. “The U.S. will be tasked with the difficult and expensive task of arming and supporting two allies simultaneously, and we are already seeing resistance to support for Ukraine.”

Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel released a statement about the current war:

“Like many of you over the past several days, I have continued to watch the horrific and heartbreaking scenes resulting from Hamas’ unprecedented terrorist attacks against Israel and innocent civilians. In no uncertain terms, we condemn these unconscionable, barbaric acts.

“Over these same days, I’ve listened to our community’s voice, which, for so many, includes the heaviness of unthinkable loss. My heart goes out to all those pained by these events, and those tragically lost in these atrocious attacks, which include hundreds of young people — the age of our students — at a music festival with their whole lives ahead of them.

“Because of the trauma felt by so many around us, we know the road ahead is hard. We are committed to supporting every member of our Pitt family affected by this terrible violence, including through the Office of Inclusion and Belonging, whose staff members are available individually or in groups to connect members of our community with resources and space to reflect.”

To read more of her statement, it can be found here