Security, a cornerstone of modern politics, encompasses the pursuit of safety and protection from perceived threats. It extends beyond military concerns to include social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The concept is subjective, varying based on individual perceptions and societal norms. In essence, security involves managing risks to ensure the well-being and survival of individuals and societies (Krause & Williams, 2018).
By picking up the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, I aim to shed light on how security is both relative and intricate. This enduring struggle, predominantly centred in Gaza, has witnessed recurrent clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The recent escalation since October 7, 2023, underscores the pressing need to reconsider security strategies in the region.
An ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. This attack, considered one of the most significant military escalations since the Yom Kippur War, triggered swift retaliation from the Israeli military. Subsequently, Israel embarked on an extensive aerial bombardment campaign targeting Gaza, followed by a large-scale ground invasion beginning on October 27, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
This conflict, now in its fifth iteration since 2008, is part of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in historical grievances, territorial disputes, and competing national narratives. Beyond Gaza, clashes have also occurred in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and along the Israel-Lebanon border with Hezbollah. The conflict reflects the deep-seated tensions and unresolved issues between Israelis and Palestinians, including issues related to land ownership, religious sites, and the rights of refugees.
The Hamas-led attack on October 7 involved the launch of rockets and an estimated 3,000 militants breaching the Gaza-Israel barrier, attacking Israeli military bases, and civilian communities. The attack resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with hundreds of civilians and security personnel killed, and many others taken captive to the Gaza Strip.
Since the start of the Israeli operation, more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, including a substantial number of children and women. The conflict has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, and cultural landmarks in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Israel's blockade has further intensified the suffering of Palestinians, with severe shortages of essential supplies such as food, clean water, medicine, and fuel.
The ongoing conflict has also had significant international repercussions, with large protests occurring worldwide, primarily calling for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation. While Israel has received support from some Western allies, including the United States, other countries have denounced its actions in the conflict. Additionally, there have been attacks on American military bases in the Middle East and commercial ships allegedly linked to Israel, further escalating tensions in the region.
On the economic front, the Israel-Hamas war is expected to have a profound negative impact on the Israeli economy (Fadlon & Klor, 2023). Estimates suggest that the direct and indirect costs of the conflict could amount to around NIS 200 billion, resulting in a significant drop in GDP and hindering economic growth for the year. The mobilization of reserve forces, population evacuation, and disruptions to the manufacturing process contribute to the economic strain, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War.
Despite these challenges, Israel has shown resilience in its economy, with measures taken to stabilize the currency and address immediate economic concerns. However, there are concerns that prolonged conflict and economic strain could lead to another "lost decade" for the Israeli economy, like the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War.
In exploring the Israel-Hamas conflict, one must delve beyond surface-level analyses to comprehend the intricate dynamics shaping this enduring struggle. How do we understand security in this context? Whose security is at stake, and from what threats? What means are employed to achieve security, and for what purposes? And who are the key actors influencing these dynamics?
At its heart, the conflict transcends mere territorial disputes, encompassing profound questions of human security and rights. Whose security is paramount? For Israel, security concerns are synonymous with safeguarding its citizens from a barrage of threats, ranging from rocket attacks to terrorism orchestrated by Hamas. Conversely, Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, yearn for security from the relentless Israeli military presence and the suffocating economic blockade.
The sources of insecurity are myriad and interwoven, underscoring the complexity of the conflict. Palestinians endure the daily specter of Israeli military incursions and airstrikes, exacerbating humanitarian crises and stifling socio-economic progress. Meanwhile, Israelis grapple with the looming threat of indiscriminate rocket attacks and tunnel infiltrations, perpetuating a cycle of fear and violence.
How do opposing sides pursue security? Israel, with its emphasis on military superiority, employs airstrikes, ground incursions, and strict border controls to safeguard its interests. In contrast, Hamas utilizes asymmetric tactics such as rocket fire and guerrilla warfare to resist occupation and assert Palestinian rights.
Yet, security imperatives are deeply entwined with competing narratives and ideologies. For Israel, security is synonymous with state survival and regional dominance, necessitating the containment of perceived threats. Conversely, Hamas frames its resistance as a struggle for national liberation and self-determination, rallying support through religious and nationalist rhetoric.
Moreover, the security landscape involves a multitude of actors, each with distinct agendas and capabilities. State actors, non-state entities, and international organizations all exert influence, shaping the trajectory of the conflict. While Israel leverages military prowess and strategic alliances, Hamas mobilizes grassroots support and armed resistance to challenge Israeli dominance.
The post-colonial and feminist approaches offer critical insights into the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the intersectionality of power, oppression, and resistance in shaping security dynamics (Parashar, 2017).
From a post-colonial perspective, the Israel-Hamas conflict is situated within the broader context of colonial legacies, settler-colonialism, and the dispossession of indigenous Palestinian lands. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, characterized by land confiscation, population displacement, and discriminatory policies, mirrors colonial strategies of domination and subjugation, perpetuating cycles of violence and resistance.
Feminist analyses of the conflict foreground the gendered dimensions of security, highlighting the disproportionate impact of militarized violence and occupation on women, children, and vulnerable populations. Women in Gaza bear the brunt of conflict-induced trauma, displacement, and socio-economic marginalization, while also serving as agents of resilience, community-building, and peace activism amidst adversity.
Finally, I’d like to end this blog with a concise yet compelling question: How can we effectively balance the security needs of both Israelis and Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, while fostering a sustainable and inclusive peace process?
References:
Fadlon, T., & Klor, E. F. (2023, December 27). The Israel-Hamas War: Averting Another Lost Economic Decade on JSTOR.”, www.jstor.org/stable/resrep55423.
Hamas releases report clarifying Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. (n.d.). https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-releases-report-clarifying-operation-al-aqsa-flood/3115099
Krause, K., & Williams, M. (2018). Security and “security studies.” The Oxford Handbook of International Security, 13–28. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198777854.013.2
Parashar, S. Feminism and Postcolonialism: The Twain Shall Meet: Conversation with J. Ann Tickner and Phillip Darby.
Gheciu, A., & Wohlforth, W. C. (2018). The Future of Security Studies. The Oxford Handbook of International Security, 2–13. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198777854.013.1
This detailed analysis of the Israel-Hamas conflict highlighted a significant examination of the security dynamics involved, which is commendable. By discovering the diverse perspective of the conflict and incorporating perspectives from post-colonial and feminist viewpoints, it offers valuable and attractive insightful clarity to the blog. In summary, this comprehensive analysis perfectly enhances my understanding of the complexities of the conflict and the problems to achieving security for both Israelis and Palestinians.