The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, has been ongoing for many decades and has experienced periods of heightened violence and relative calm. While the conflict has persisted for a long time, it is not accurate to describe it as a “forever war.”
The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century with the establishment of the Zionist movement and the subsequent creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The conflict has evolved over time, with various wars, uprisings, and peace processes shaping its trajectory.
The Israel-Hamas conflict specifically intensified in the late 1980s and early 1990s, following the First Intifada and the subsequent establishment of Hamas. Since then, there have been several major military confrontations, such as the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, the Gaza War in 2008-2009, and more recent conflicts in 2012, 2014, and 2021.
While the conflict has not been fully resolved, it is important to note that there have been periods of relative calm and attempts at peace. For example, the Oslo Accords in the 1990s aimed to establish a framework for negotiations and a path towards a two-state solution. However, the implementation of these agreements faced significant challenges and did not result in a final resolution.
Calls for a peaceful resolution and negotiations continue to be made by various international actors, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States. However, complex political, historical, and territorial issues, as well as internal divisions among Palestinians and Israelis, have made it difficult to achieve a lasting peace.
It is crucial to remember that conflicts can evolve and change over time. While the Israel-Hamas conflict has persisted for a long period, it is not accurate to categorize it as a “forever war.” Efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and a negotiated settlement should remain a priority to bring about a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
