Israel is at war with Hamas. Here’s what to know
:
1. Israel and Hamas have been in conflict for years: Israel and Hamas have been locked in a bitter and often violent battle since Hamas was established in the late-1980s. Hamas is a militant Palestinian group that opposes Israel’s existence.
2. The conflict recently escalated: On May 10, 2021, the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated after an exchange of rocket fire. Since then, Israel has launched several air strikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas has continued to fire rockets at Israeli cities and settlements.
3. The conflict has caused casualties: Since the conflict began, both sides have suffered casualties. Reports indicate that as of May 20, 2021, at least 212 Palestinians and 12 Israelis have died in the violence, including several children on both sides.
4. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing: Despite the ongoing violence, both Israel and Hamas have engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The United Nations and several countries, including the United States, have urged both sides to return to negotiations and de-escalate the conflict.