Just over a week ago, a crisis emerged between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It’s unclear what specifically could accept blame for initiating the conflict, as violent tensions between the two powers have mounted steadfast through the last month. Within the conflict, AJ reports in Palestine that 218 have been killed and an estimated 1500 wounded, with twelve Israelis killed and 300 wounded, mostly by consequence of rocket fire exchange but many civilly attacked by police or other civilian assailants.
Palestinians throughout Gaza have engaged in a general strike protesting Israeli mistreatment of Arabs under their own internationally recognized umbrella. The PA and Hamas both support and uphold the strike, suspending all economic activity and education of children in the region. Amid protests for the general strike, two Palestinians were shot through the head.
The international implications of the crisis are severe; the US’ Biden Administration has called for a ceasefire, condemning the assaults but has taken no direct action to quell the conflict. New Zealand has offered to arbitrate agreements as a neutral party; Lebanon and Syria have seen consequences directly with several of their citizens having been killed resulting from raised tensions; Jordan in particular has struggled to retain refugees it has accepted from returning to Gaza, attempting to de-escalate to consolidate; Egypt has stood with Hamas, however given their history of brokering peace agreements in the past it’s likely they will be pressured by the international community to once again pull their leverage against Hamas in order to subdue conflict.
I don’t believe that total war will continue, as Israel has too much to lose from global powers and investors simply for the intimidation and subduing of Gaza. In the past, they have gone to such great lengths as surrendering large portions of conquered land in order to retain international support, and Israeli statesmen know well the economic and strategic consequences of losing western support. On top of this, Hamas, although desiring to maintain the momentum of anti-Israeli influences to continue holding authority and sway over Gaza, does recognize the futility of an unconditional conflict lacking direct support.