 |
The conflict between Israel and Hamas |
News Archive
The history of an ongoing conflict
For many years, land in the Middle East has been fought over. The term “Middle East” loosely refers to land located to the northeast of Africa and the south and west of Asia. The reason this area is fought over is because it is the historic homeland of religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and so certain people from these groups believe they have the right to live there, and that the other does not.
The land that is now called Israel was established as a Jewish state in the year 1948. Just before this, the same area was the country of Palestine and the Palestinian people who had lived there before it became Israel now mostly live in nearby countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, or Egypt, or in the Gaza Strip or West Bank regions which neighbor Israel.
Unfortunately, the Israelis and the Palestinians still disagree over who should live where and many attempts at peace treaties between them have failed.
Why the recent attacks began
On December 27th, 2008 Israel began a series of attacks on the small area of land called Gaza. The ruling group in Gaza is known as Hamas, and Hamas had been sending rockets into Israel which were destroying homes and killing people. The reason Hamas had been setting off rockets was that Israel controlled most of the borders around Gaza, and because the Israelis were worried that weapons were being brought into Gaza, they had been keeping very tight control over what could enter and leave the area. However, this also prevented Gaza from having access to resources from the outside world such as food and medicine. Both sides had reasons for their actions but unfortunately, those reasons led to a clash between them.
Now what?
Political figures all over the world are now trying to help Israel and Hamas come to an agreement for peace, but unfortunately this has been difficult to do. Hamas wants Israel to stop their current attacks and to lift up their tight control on Gaza's borders. Israel wants Hamas to stop firing dangerous rockets into their country. But because they have had trouble with agreements like this in the past, neither side has been quick to approve a treaty. Luckily lots of very smart and experienced leaders from around the world and from the United Nations are working to end the disagreement as soon as possible.
How can I help?
Ask you parents to help you find out about charities that are helping the sick and wounded involved in this unfortunate situation. There might be places to donate canned food or medicines. You can also write letters to political leaders who are working with Israel and Hamas to form peace treaties. Thank the politicians for their help and tell them what you think!
Think about ways to promote peace and tolerance in your own life. When you disagree with someone, try to understand the other person's side of it and look for a good compromise! Doing things like this will help you grow up to be an open-minded and intelligent individual who can make good choices and who can encourage others to do the same!
For many years, land in the Middle East has been fought over. The term “Middle East” loosely refers to land located to the northeast of Africa and the south and west of Asia. The reason this area is fought over is because it is the historic homeland of religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and so certain people from these groups believe they have the right to live there, and that the other does not.
The land that is now called Israel was established as a Jewish state in the year 1948. Just before this, the same area was the country of Palestine and the Palestinian people who had lived there before it became Israel now mostly live in nearby countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, or Egypt, or in the Gaza Strip or West Bank regions which neighbor Israel.
Unfortunately, the Israelis and the Palestinians still disagree over who should live where and many attempts at peace treaties between them have failed.
Why the recent attacks began
On December 27th, 2008 Israel began a series of attacks on the small area of land called Gaza. The ruling group in Gaza is known as Hamas, and Hamas had been sending rockets into Israel which were destroying homes and killing people. The reason Hamas had been setting off rockets was that Israel controlled most of the borders around Gaza, and because the Israelis were worried that weapons were being brought into Gaza, they had been keeping very tight control over what could enter and leave the area. However, this also prevented Gaza from having access to resources from the outside world such as food and medicine. Both sides had reasons for their actions but unfortunately, those reasons led to a clash between them.
Now what?
Political figures all over the world are now trying to help Israel and Hamas come to an agreement for peace, but unfortunately this has been difficult to do. Hamas wants Israel to stop their current attacks and to lift up their tight control on Gaza's borders. Israel wants Hamas to stop firing dangerous rockets into their country. But because they have had trouble with agreements like this in the past, neither side has been quick to approve a treaty. Luckily lots of very smart and experienced leaders from around the world and from the United Nations are working to end the disagreement as soon as possible.
How can I help?
Ask you parents to help you find out about charities that are helping the sick and wounded involved in this unfortunate situation. There might be places to donate canned food or medicines. You can also write letters to political leaders who are working with Israel and Hamas to form peace treaties. Thank the politicians for their help and tell them what you think!
Think about ways to promote peace and tolerance in your own life. When you disagree with someone, try to understand the other person's side of it and look for a good compromise! Doing things like this will help you grow up to be an open-minded and intelligent individual who can make good choices and who can encourage others to do the same!