Israel and Gaza: From Conflict to Conflict

On October 7, 2023, a new chapter in the Middle East erupted in the wake of the mass attack by Hamas militants on Israel, killing more than 1,200 civilians, and leading to another round of violence. While the scale of the attack was unprecedented, violence between Israel and the residents of Gaza dates back for decades. In this class, we will examine the historical background of the conflict between the two sides, starting from the first major battles in 1948. We will explore the Palestinian narrative of loss and displacement as their justification for their actions on October 7, along side with the Israeli’s fight for security and existence. Analyze how third parties such as the United States, Russia, Iran, and Israel’s Arab neighbors view the conflict.