February 2025

HISTORY OF CEASEFIRES IN THE HAMAS, ISRAEL CRISIS

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Hey everyone, Welcome back! I’m thrilled to have you here as we continue exploring international events and sharing my many interests. The previous chapter shared a week ago, delved into the creation and rise of Hamas as a powerful organization in the Middle East. In this chapter, a continuation of the series, we’ll dive into the detailed history of ceasefires in the Hamas and Israel crisis over the years. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to each ceasefire, the terms of the agreements, and the aftermath. CONFLICTS AND CEASEFIRES OVER THE YEARS Operation Cast Lead (December 2008 – January 2009) Background Operation Cast Lead began on December 27, 2008. Egypt brokered a six-month truce between Hamas and Israel in June 2008; the truce’s collapse triggered the conflict. The truce was intended to halt rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli towns and cities and to ease the Israeli blockade of Gaza. However, both sides accused each other of violations, leading to its collapse. Conflict The Israeli Air Force launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure, including police stations, smuggling tunnels, and military bases. Hamas responded with rocket fire aimed at southern Israel. The conflict escalated with an Israeli ground invasion on January 3, 2009. For the 22-day operation, there were significant casualties and destruction on both sides, with Palestinian civilians suffering the most. Ceasefire On January 17, 2009, Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire, which Hamas initially rejected but later agreed to follow suit. The ceasefire was fragile, with sporadic violations from both sides. The terms included the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the reopening of border crossings for humanitarian aid. Aftermath The operation resulted in over 1,400 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths. The international community condemned the high civilian casualties and the use of excessive force. The blockade on Gaza remained in place, leading to severe economic and humanitarian consequences. Operation Pillar of Defense (November 2012) Background Operation Pillar of Defense was launched by Israel on November 14, 2012, after months of escalating rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Ahmed Jabari, the chief of Hamas’s military wing. Conflict The eight-day conflict saw intense exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes. Hamas targeted major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, for the first time. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many rockets, mitigating casualties and damage. Ceasefire A ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and the United States on November 21, 2012. The agreement called for the cessation of hostilities, the opening of border crossings, and measures to address the blockade and economic restrictions on Gaza. Aftermath The conflict resulted in over 160 Palestinian and six Israeli deaths. The ceasefire largely held, with occasional flare-ups. The blockade on Gaza continued, maintaining the region’s economic and humanitarian challenges. Operation Protective Edge (July – August 2014) Background Operation Protective Edge began on July 8, 2014, following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers and the retaliatory killing of a Palestinian teenager. The conflict escalated with rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Conflict The seven-week war involved extensive ground, air, and naval operations. Israel aimed to destroy Hamas’s military infrastructure, including tunnels used for cross-border attacks. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and destruction, particularly in Gaza. Ceasefire On August 26, 2014, a long-term ceasefire was brokered by Egypt. The terms included the cessation of hostilities, the opening of border crossings, and the extension of Gaza’s fishing zone. Indirect negotiations on broader issues, such as the blockade, were also agreed upon. Aftermath The conflict resulted in over 2,100 Palestinian and 73 Israeli deaths. The ceasefire brought temporary calm, but underlying issues remained unresolved. Reconstruction efforts in Gaza faced significant challenges due to the ongoing blockade and political divisions. Operation Guardian of the Walls (May 2021) Background The 2021 conflict, also known as Operation Guardian of the Walls, was triggered by tensions in East Jerusalem, including clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah. Hamas began launching rockets at Israeli cities on May 10, 2021, in response to the tensions. Conflict The 11-day conflict saw intense rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. Hamas targeted major Israeli cities, and the Iron Dome intercepted many rockets. The conflict caused significant casualties and destruction, particularly in Gaza. Ceasefire A ceasefire was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations on May 21, 2021. The terms included the cessation of hostilities and measures to address humanitarian needs in Gaza. Aftermath The conflict resulted in over 250 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths. The ceasefire largely held, but occasional flare-ups continued. The blockade on Gaza remained, exacerbating the region’s economic and humanitarian challenges. October 2023 – Surprise Attack on Simchat Torah Background On October 7, 2023, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. Militants broke through the Gaza-Israel barrier, leading to widespread violence and casualties. The attack was unprecedented in scale and intensity. Conflict: The conflict involved heavy rocket fire from Gaza and intense Israeli airstrikes. Urban areas on both sides experienced significant damage and casualties. The international community called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation. Ceasefire Efforts to broker a ceasefire involved multiple parties, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. In January 2025, a phased ceasefire deal was reached. The terms included the release of captives, increased humanitarian aid, and discussions on a permanent ceasefire. Aftermath The conflict resulted in significant casualties and destruction on both sides. The ceasefire deal aimed to address immediate humanitarian needs and create a framework for long-term peace. The situation remained tense, with ongoing efforts to prevent further violence. WHAT LED TO THE NEGOTIATION OF THESE CEASEFIRES? The negotiation of ceasefires in the Gaza, Hamas, and Israel crisis has been driven by several key factors: The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, particularly in Gaza. Parties to the conflict often negotiate

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CREATION AND RISE OF HAMAS

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Hey Guys, I am super glad to welcome you back to this space to continue on this amazing journey of exploring events in the International system and basically to let you in on my many interests. Sit back, sip a cup of whatever you love (for me it is a cup of blazing hot chocolate) and enjoy the read. In case you had missed the first chapter, premised on the genesis of the crisis between Israel and Hamas, don’t worry—you can always get up  to speed.This chapter promises to explore the creation and rise of Hamas. ORIGIN Hamas, which stands for Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmiyyah (Islamic Resistance Movement), was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. FACTORS LEADING TO HAMAS’ FORMATION There are several factors that led to the formation of Hamas: HISTORICAL CONTEXT The Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s broader historical context is necessary to understand Hamas’s formation. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, leading to widespread discontent among Palestinians. INFLUENCE OF THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization that had been active in the Gaza Strip since the 1950s. The Brotherhood’s network of mosques, charities, and social organizations provided a strong foundation for Hamas. The Brotherhood’s ideology, which combined Islamic principles with political activism, influenced Hamas’s formation. DISCONTENT WITH THE FATAH & PLO Initially, Hamas viewed Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Ḥarakat al-Taḥrīr al-Waṭanī al-Filasṭīnī (Palestinian National Liberation Movement) known as Fatah as too lenient and ineffective in resisting Israeli occupation. Fatah, led by Yasser Arafat, had been the dominant political force in Palestinian politics since the 1960s. Hamas believed that Fatah’s willingness to engage in peace talks and the recognition of the statehood of Israel undermined the Palestinian cause and failed to achieve meaningful concessions from Israel. They opted for a more militant and religiously driven agenda as a replacement. This ideological and political rivalry led to violent clashes and eventual split between the two factions. FIRST INTIFADA The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in December 1987, was a crucial catalyst for Hamas’ formation. The uprising was characterized by widespread protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. Hamas capitalized on the growing discontent and mobilized support for its cause, positioning itself as the vanguard of the resistance. HAMAS RISE TO POWER & GAZA TAKEOVER The year was 2006, and it was time for the Palestinian legislative elections. Hamas indicated interest, campaigned on a platform of armed resistance against Israeli occupation, and won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Parliament, defeating the ruling Fatah party. Battle of Gaza (2007) The Battle of Gaza, also known as the Gaza Civil War, a brief but intense conflict between Fatah and Hamas that took place from June 10 to June 15, 2007, was the culmination of conflicts at different times. The fighting involved intense street battles, sniper fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar attacks. The battle resulted in Hamas taking control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah officials were either taken as prisoners, executed, or expelled.  The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that at least 161 people were killed and more than 700 were wounded during the fighting. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of its transformation into a powerful and influential force. With swift and decisive action, Hamas took charge of Gaza’s infrastructure, encompassing everything from food banks and schools to hospitals. By ensuring the provision of essential services, the organization gained widespread support and legitimacy among Palestinians, solidifying its role as the leader of Gaza. Bolstering its newfound authority, Hamas relied on the formidable strength of its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. This military might enable Hamas to maintain order, enforce its rule, and respond effectively to any threats, further cementing its grip on the region. Fatah left without a choice and retreated to the West Bank. Aftermath Following the takeover, Hamas established a one-party Islamist statelet in Gaza, with Ismail Haniyeh serving as the leader until February 2017.  Political Isolation Hamas faced significant political isolation. The international community, including the United Nations and most Western countries, refused to recognize Hamas as the legitimate government of Gaza. Instead, they continued to support the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank as the official representative of the Palestinian people. Humanitarian Crisis The blockade and ongoing conflict resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations and other international organizations reported widespread poverty, unemployment, and malnutrition. The overwhelming demand on the healthcare system and limited access to clean water and sanitation were evident. Reconstruction Efforts The extensive damage caused by the conflict required significant reconstruction efforts. International aid organizations and NGOs worked to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. However, the ongoing blockade and restrictions on the import of building materials hampered these efforts. Internal Governance Hamas established a one-party rule in Gaza, the organization focused on consolidating its power and maintaining control over the territory. The organization strengthened its internal security forces and suppressed dissent. REDUCING HAMAS’ POWER IN GAZA Various countries have played significant roles in attempting to reduce the influence of this militant group, each employing unique strategies and resources. Israel, at the forefront of this effort, conducted multiple military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure. Through airstrikes, ground invasions, and blockades, Israel sought to weaken Hamas’ control and prevent further attacks. These actions, however, also led to significant casualties and widespread destruction, fueling a cycle of violence and retaliation. The United States, recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization, imposed sanctions to curb its activities. Providing military aid to Israel, the U.S. supported efforts to counter Hamas while also engaging in diplomatic measures to promote peace and stability in the region. Egypt, sharing a border with Gaza, played a dual role. As a mediator, Egypt often brokered ceasefires between Hamas and Israel, seeking to de-escalate conflicts. At the same time, Egypt cooperated with Israel in maintaining the blockade on Gaza and took measures to destroy

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ISRAEL – HAMAS CRISIS (THE BEGINNING)

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INTRODUCTION Hi ya! Welcome to iWrite by Festus Ayomikun. As you may have read atop, the mission I am on with this blog is to bring to you my reader accurate, relevant, and objective information about events happening in the international system. I do not take a side; I only write to help you make informed opinions and have a good understanding of things and not just follow the bandwagon of general feeling/opinion. This week, which is our launch week, I will be writing about the recent event on the international stage at this time which is the Israel and Hamas fight. In this blog post, we will be looking at some interesting background story that will help put what is currently going on into proper perspective for anyone to understand. I promise to do all I can to make this concise but rich enough for a body of knowledge. So, before we go into the details of what happened on October 11, 2023, let us take a quick glance into the background story. We will be covering the Creation of Israel as a State or country as you may say, the Israeli Occupation of Gaza Strip (The center of this fight), The rise or creation of Hamas, Hamas as a group and their ideologies and then we look at previous fight before this current one. Without much more ado, let’s get into it. HOMECOMING From the late 19th century into the very early 20th century, the region called Palestine which is a land locked between, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon has been under the rule of the then Ottoman Empire but the empire became less strong during WW1 and after the war ended in 1919, the control of this land and many other land under the control of the empire was ceded to the British Empire through a mandate by the League of Nation (The then version of the current UN). But before this concession, the Brits had already made an announcement in 1917 called the BALFOUR DECLARATION which was a promise for the establishment of a “National Home for the Jews” i.e. a land they can call their own in the region of Palestine. So, the official concession of the region to the Brits meant they could fulfil this promise easily. Although the concession of the region through the LoN Mandate was majorly criticized by all Arab Nations and the people living in the region but it appeased more to the Jews as it supported their believe of ownership to Jerusalem as their biblical inheritance. Fortunately, and unfortunately, the persecution and the Holocaust (mass murdering of the Jews) by Nazi Germany during the WW2 then resulted in the Jews fleeing Eastern Europe and mass migrating into the Palestine Region into a land they believe to be their biblical ancestral home as mentioned earlier. Although with this migration tension arose in the region nonetheless, no sort of fight really broke out between the fleeing Jews and the Arabian inhabitant of the land not until after WW2. FORMATION OF ISRAEL In February of the year 1947, 2 years after the end of the war, Britain in a bid to fulfil their promise made with the “Balfour Declaration of 1917” (remember we mentioned it above) made a proposition to the UN (the new founded organization that replaced the LoN), asking them to investigate the tension in the Palestine region and make moves into resolving the crisis. The UN however in resolving the crisis made and adopted the resolution to split the Palestine region into independent states – One for the Jews and the other for the Arabs in other words, a “Jewish State” and an “Arab State” with Jerusalem under the control of the UN as it was a land both sides were laying claims to. Apparently, this resolution by the UN did not go down well with the Palestinians inhabiting the land neither did it appease to the other surrounding Arabian nations. However, the whole situation escalated in 1948, May 15 when the Jews declared independence and announced the creation of the State or Nation of Israel as you may want to call it. This irked the Palestinians and the other Arabs nations the more and this became the genesis of an all-out fight between Palestine and Israel up until today. Before, I take you into the creation and rise of Hamas, let me do a quick run-down of how the occupation of the Gaza strip by Israel came about. After the creation of the Nation of Israel as mentioned above, the Israeli Armies moved quickly into conquering and occupying other territories beyond what was initially awarded to it by the UN resolution a year earlier and because Israel had a whelming support of some big powers especially Britain, there was a re-division of the whole region into 3 parts and no more. Israeli land for the Jews, The Gaza Strip (The center of the war till date) and the west Bank. At this time, Gaza Strip being a tiny strip of land between Israel and Egypt and home to about 2million Palestinians was left under the control of the Egyptian government and West Bank situated in between Israel and Jordan and home to about 3million people was given to the Jordanians for control. THE SIX DAY WAR Albeit in 1967, Israel decided to follow the principles of the theory of REALISM as stated by Nicolo Machiavelli that states that a Leader must not wait for the enemy to make a move but must always pre-empt and make the first move to achieve its national interest and protect its citizens at all costs (this is an abridged and simple to understand translation). Israel therefore launched a pre-emptive defensive war against Egypt, Jordan and Syria claiming these Arab Nations were on the verge of launching a joint attack on Israel too. This Israeli’s attack was such a success that it only lasted 6 days thus termed “The Six Day War”

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