Hostages Delivered to Israel during Gaza Conflict

In the heart of the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to unfold, marking a significant global concern. On October 7, 2023, a surprise attack by Hamas resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of over 200 people.

At the core of the ongoing conflict lies the quest for a Palestinian state. The West Bank, a geographical region located on the Mediterranean Sea, is home to both Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The Palestinian politicians have some say in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but Israel also holds significant power.

Israel, a predominantly Jewish state, is home to Muslims and Christians as well. Jerusalem, its capital, is where most Israelis speak Hebrew or Arabic. The Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian organization Hamas, is a separate region. Palestinians argue that Israeli settlers in the West Bank are taking their land.

Hamas, a militant group that follows Islam and seeks the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel, is the controlling power in the Gaza Strip. The group's attack on Israel prompted a response, with Israel waging war in the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations reports that thousands of civilians have been killed by Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. Israel's blockade of the entry of food and medicine into the region puts many Palestinians at risk of death.

The conflict, ongoing since the establishment of Israel, has forced many Palestinians to leave areas that are now part of Israel. Today, Palestinians primarily live in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Negotiations for phase 2 of the ceasefire involve not only Israel, but also Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. Qatar, with its strategic alliances and regional influence, acts as an important mediator alongside the US and Egypt between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing dispute over who owns the land. Palestinians, an Arabic-speaking people without their own state, continue to seek self-determination and a peaceful resolution to this complex and deeply rooted conflict.