After WWI ended, many former territories, including Palestine, that were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire were made territories under the League of Nations. All of these territories were recognized as independent nations except Palestine. In 1917, Britain issued the Balfour Declaration, which declared Palestine the Jewish homeland. This fed the Zionist movement and caused many Jewish people to move to Palestine. After facing religious persecution during WWII, the migration of the Jewish population to Palestine amped up. In 1948, the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed and Israel became an official country, which sparked the Arab-Israeli War, during which an event known as Nakba, took place. Nakba was the forcible removal of an estimated 700,000 Palestinians and the death of 15,000. Some Palestinians were either expelled to the Gaza Strip or West Bank, others chose to flee to neighboring Arab countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
As explained by AP News, on Oct. 7, Hamas, a militant terrorist group, attempted to fire rockets, many of which were intercepted by Israel’s defense system, the Iron Dome, into Israeli towns. They also broke through the Iron Wall that separates Gaza from Israel. From there they killed more that 1,400 people, both civilians and soldiers. They also took more than 200 hostages. According to AP News, only 5 of these hostages have been released and about 50 hostages have been killed in raids.
Following these attacks, Israel made it their mission to completely destroy Hamas. They started airstrikes into the Gaza territory and have stopped the importing of food, water and fuel. The Gaza Health Ministry has said more than 10,022 Palestinians have been killed and the Israeli government has reported that more than 1,538 Israeli citizens have been killed. Israel has also cut off internet and phone services leaving Palestinians with no form of communication.
This conflict has left many people around the world worried for their loved ones. Even in our little corner of the world, we have people who have connections to those being affected. Senior Salwa Imsaitif has family that lives in West Bank, which has been very stressful for her and her family. Not only is Imsaitif concerned about her family, but she is also worried about her safety. This is a harsh reality for many people. They fear everyday that someone on the opposing side may try to harm them.
“It gets me really concerned for my safety, not only does it have me concerned for how my family is over there, but it gets me concerned for being in America,” said Imsaitif.
Showing support has also been worrisome for Imsaitif. Since this is such a controversial topic, it can be a threat to someone’s safety.
“Of course I would love to rep Palestine stuff, but I get kind of concerned,” said Imsaitif. “I feel like something bad is going to happen to me.”
Overall, she is happy that people are starting to follow the situation and are making an active effort to learn about what has happened in the past and what is currently happening.
“I’m glad people have awareness for what’s actually going on,” said Imsaitif.
