The History and Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most enduring and complex political disputes in the world. It involves issues of land, religion, identity, security, and justice that have been contested for more than a century. To understand the conflict, it is necessary to examine its historical roots, its main issues, and its current challenges.
Historical Roots
The conflict has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when nationalist movements emerged among the Jews and the Arabs, both seeking sovereignty for their people in the Middle East .
The Jews, who had been persecuted and dispersed throughout history, were inspired by the Zionist movement, which advocated for a Jewish homeland in their ancestral land of Palestine, then under Ottoman rule .
The Arabs, who had been living in Palestine for centuries, were opposed to the influx of Jewish immigrants and the idea of a Jewish state, which they saw as a threat to their rights and identity .
Role of Britain
The British, who took over Palestine after World War I, issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which supported the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine, while also promising to protect the rights of the existing Arab population .
Role of UN
The United Nations, which replaced the British mandate after World War II, proposed a partition plan in 1947, which divided Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab, with Jerusalem under international control .
UN Plan was accepted by the Jews
The Jews accepted the plan, but the Arabs rejected it and launched a war against the newly declared state of Israel in 1948. The war resulted in Israel’s victory and expansion of its territory, as well as the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who became refugees .
Main Issues
The conflict continued with several wars and uprisings over the years, such as the 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1987 First Intifada, the 2000 Second Intifada, and the 2008 Gaza War .
The main issues that have fueled the conflict are:
- The status of Jerusalem, which is claimed by both sides as their capital and holy city .
- The fate of Palestinian refugees, who demand their right to return to their homes or receive compensation .
- The Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal by most of the international community and an obstacle to peace by the Palestinians .
- The security and recognition of Israel, which faces threats from militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as hostility from some Arab states and Iran .
Current Challenges
Several attempts have been made to resolve the conflict through negotiations and agreements, such as the 1978 Camp David Accords, the 1993 Oslo Accords, the 2000 Camp David Summit, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, and the 2003 Road Map for Peace .
However, none of these efforts have resulted in a lasting peace agreement or a two-state solution. The reasons for this include:
- The lack of trust and goodwill between the parties .
- The influence of domestic politics and public opinion on both sides .
- The role of external actors and interests, such as the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, etc. .
- The violence and extremism that undermine the peace process .
The conflict remains unresolved and volatile, with periodic outbreaks of violence and humanitarian crises. The prospects for peace are dimmed by the political deadlock, the regional instability, and the global indifference. The human cost of the conflict is immense and tragic for both sides.
Why Were The Jews Hated And What Caused Their Exile And Dispersion
- The Jews have been hated for various reasons throughout history, depending on the time period and the circumstances. Some of the common factors that contributed to their hatred were:
- Their religious beliefs and practices, which were different from those of the dominant groups and often seen as heretical, blasphemous, or threatening .
- Their economic status and activities, which were often envied, resented, or exploited by others. Some Jews became prominent in banking and moneylending, because early Christianity didn’t permit moneylending for interest. This resulted in economic resentment which forced the expulsion of Jews from several European countries including France, Germany, Portugal and Spain during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries . Other Jews were persecuted or killed for their wealth or property, especially during times of crisis or hardship .
- Their social and political position, which was often marginalized, discriminated, or oppressed by the ruling powers. Jews were subject to various legal restrictions, such as wearing distinctive clothing, living in ghettos, paying special taxes, or being barred from certain professions or rights. They were also scapegoated for various problems or calamities, such as plagues, famines, wars, or revolutions .
- Their national and ethnic identity, which was often challenged, denied, or threatened by the surrounding nations or groups. Jews were seen as foreigners, outsiders, or enemies by many of the people among whom they lived . They were also targeted by nationalist or racist movements that sought to create homogenous or pure states or societies .
- Antisemitism is a form of prejudice and discrimination that has no rational basis and should be condemned and opposed by all people.
Why did the Jews have to leave their Homeland
The Jews had to leave their homeland for various reasons, depending on the time period and the circumstances. Here are some of the main causes of their exile and dispersion:
The Assyrian exile: In the 8th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel and deported many of its inhabitants to other parts of its domain. This was done to weaken the resistance and assimilate the conquered people.
The Babylonian exile: In the 6th century BCE, the Babylonian Empire destroyed the southern Kingdom of Judah and its capital Jerusalem, and carried away most of its population to Babylon. This was done to punish the Judahites for rebelling against their overlord and to assert their dominance.
The Roman exile: In the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, the Roman Empire crushed several Jewish revolts in Palestine and expelled many Jews from their homeland. This was done to suppress the Jewish nationalism and religion that challenged the Roman authority and paganism .
The medieval exile: In the Middle Ages, many Jews faced persecution, discrimination, and expulsion from various European countries, such as Spain, France, England, and Germany. This was done because of religious intolerance, economic envy, and political scapegoating .
The Nazi exile: In the 20th century, Nazi Germany and its allies systematically murdered about six million Jews in Europe during the Holocaust. Many Jews who survived or escaped sought refuge in other countries, especially Palestine. This was done because of racial hatred, ideological fanaticism, and genocidal ambition .
These are some of the main reasons why the Jews had to leave their homeland.
Lack of Prosperity among Arabs
As for why the Arabs did not have prosperity as compared to the Jews, this is also a complex and debatable question, but some possible factors are:
The Arabs had a different political and economic system than the Jews, which was based on tribalism, feudalism, and Islam. This system often lacked stability, democracy, and innovation, and was prone to corruption, violence, and oppression. It also failed to keep pace with the modernization and globalization of the world .
The Arabs had a long history of conflict and rivalry with the Jews, especially over the land of Palestine. This conflict resulted in wars, terrorism, and boycotts, which drained their resources and undermined their development. It also created resentment and hostility toward the Jewish state of Israel, which they saw as an illegitimate and oppressive entity .
The Arabs had a cultural and religious identity that was influenced by Islam, which was both a source of strength and weakness for them. On one hand, Islam provided them with a sense of unity, morality, and spirituality. On the other hand, Islam also imposed certain restrictions, obligations, and doctrines on them that sometimes conflicted with the values and norms of the modern world .
The role of Islam in the history of Jewish hatred is also a nuanced and controversial topic, but some general points are:
- Islam has both positive and negative aspects in its relation to Judaism. On one hand, Islam recognizes Judaism as a monotheistic religion that shares some common prophets, scriptures, and practices with Islam. On the other hand, Islam also considers Judaism as an incomplete and corrupted religion that needs to be superseded by Islam .
- Islam has both tolerant and intolerant periods in its treatment of Jews. On one hand, Islam grants Jews (and other non-Muslims) the status of dhimmi (protected minority), which allows them to practice their religion and enjoy certain rights under Islamic rule. On the other hand, Islam also imposes certain conditions, taxes, and restrictions on Jews (and other non-Muslims), which limit their freedom and equality under Islamic rule .
- Islam has both peaceful and violent expressions in its attitude toward Jews. On one hand, Islam teaches its followers to respect people of other faiths and to coexist with them peacefully. On the other hand, Islam also contains some verses and traditions that incite hatred or violence against Jews (and other enemies of Islam), especially in times of conflict or crisis .
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Israel has a current tough stance against Palestine
Israel views Palestine as a security threat, especially after the recent attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, that killed more than 800 Israelis in multiple towns in southern Israel. Israel responded by launching a bombing campaign and a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, killing more than 500 Palestinians and cutting off their access to food, fuel, water, and medicine
- Israel considers Palestine as an illegitimate and non-existent entity, and rejects the idea of a two-state solution that would grant Palestine sovereignty and independence. Israel claims the entire land of historic Palestine as its own, and has built illegal settlements and a separation wall in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- Israel faces domestic political pressure and public opinion that support a hardline approach toward Palestine. The current Israeli government is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who belongs to the right-wing Likud party that opposes any concessions to the Palestinians. The Israeli public is also divided and polarized on the issue of peace with Palestine.
Role of Arafat
A Arafat failed to put together the state of Palestine for various reasons, such as:
Arafat did not live up to his commitments and obligations under the peace agreements he signed with Israel, such as the Oslo Accords of 1993-1995. He did not renounce terrorism and violence, nor did he control or discipline the factions within his own organization, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), that violated the agreements.
Arafat did not accept the offers and proposals made by Israel and the United States for a final settlement of the conflict, such as the Camp David Summit of 2000 and the Clinton Parameters of 2000. He rejected these offers because they did not meet his demands on issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, borders, and settlements .
Arafat did not prepare his people for peace and compromise with Israel, nor did he build the institutions and infrastructure of a viable state. He failed to reform his governance and administration, which were plagued by corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency. He also failed to educate his people about the realities and challenges of statehood .
Suicide Bomings
According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there have been 171 suicide attacks carried out by Palestinian militants against Israeli targets since 1993, killing 804 people and injuring more than 5,000. The majority of these attacks occurred during the second intifada, or uprising, which lasted from 2000 to 2005T deadliest attack was on March 27, 2002, when a Hamas bomber killed 30 people and wounded 140 at a hotel in Netanya during a Passover celebration
The number of suicide attacks has decreased significantly in recent years, due to various factors such as improved Israeli security measures, international pressure, internal Palestinian divisions, and changing public opinion. However, the threat of suicide bombings remains as long as the conflict is unresolved and the violence continues.
Intelligence Failure
There are different possible explanations for why the Israeli and the Americans did not get intelligence or ignored it before the Hamas attack. Some of them are:
The Hamas attack was a surprise operation that was planned and executed in secrecy, without leaving any clear signs or signals that could be detected by Israeli or American intelligence agencies.
The Israeli and American intelligence agencies were focused on other threats or priorities in the region, such as Iran’s nuclear program, the Syrian civil war, or the negotiations with Saudi Arabia, and did not pay enough attention to the rising tensions and instability in Gaza and the West Bank
The Israeli and American intelligence agencies did receive some indications or warnings of a possible Hamas attack, but they underestimated its scale, timing, or severity, or they failed to share or act on the information in a timely and effective manner
Why did Netanyahu try to improve relations with Arab world?
Netanyahu tried to improve relations with Arab world for several reasons, such as:
Netanyahu wanted to create a regional alliance against Iran, which he considered as the main threat to Israel’s security and existence. He hoped that by normalizing relations with Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, he could isolate and pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and its support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Netanyahu wanted to boost his domestic political standing and legitimacy, especially ahead of the Israeli elections. He sought to present himself as a successful leader who could achieve historic peace deals with Israel’s former enemies, without making any concessions to the Palestinians. He also wanted to counter the criticism that his policies would lead to Israel’s international isolation.
Netanyahu wanted to benefit from the economic and strategic opportunities that would come from establishing ties with Arab states. He expected that by normalizing relations with Arab states, he could increase trade, investment, tourism, and cooperation in various fields, such as energy, technology, security, and culture. He also hoped to gain access to new markets and resources in the region
Why is Iran involved in hating Israel?
Iran is involved in hating Israel because of various historical, ideological, religious, and geopolitical factors, such as:
Iran rejects Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state on what it considers as Muslim land. Iran views Israel as an illegitimate and oppressive entity that has occupied Palestine and violated the rights of its people. Iran also opposes Israel’s policies and actions towards Jerusalem and other holy sites that are sacred to Muslims.
Iran considers Israel as an enemy and a rival for regional influence and leadership. Iran sees Israel as an ally of the United States and other Western powers that have interfered in Iran’s affairs and imposed sanctions on it. Iran also blames Israel for supporting or carrying out attacks against Iran’s nuclear facilities and personnel1516
Iran supports various militant groups that fight against Israel, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Islamic Jihad in Palestine, and Houthis in Yemen. Iran provides these groups with funding, weapons, training, and political backing. Iran sees these groups as part of its “axis of resistance” against Israel and its allies1718
What is the role of Jordan and Lebanon in all the mix?
Jordan and Lebanon are two countries that have different roles and interests in relation to Israel and Palestine. Some of their roles are:
Jordan
Jordan is one of the two Arab states that have signed a peace treaty with Israel (the other being Egypt). Jordan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 1994, but also supports the Palestinian cause and hosts many Palestinian refugees. Jordan is concerned about the stability and security of its borders with Israel and the West Bank, as well as the status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. Jordan also cooperates with Israel on various issues, such as water resources, trade, tourism, and counter-terrorism1920
Lebanon
Lebanon is one of the few Arab states that have not recognized Israel or established any formal ties with it. Lebanon has been involved in several wars and conflicts with Israel since 1948, mainly due to the presence of Palestinian refugees and militants on its territory. Lebanon is also home to Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militia and political party that is backed by Iran and Syria, and that has fought against Israel on several occasions. Lebanon is divided among different sectarian groups that have different views on Israel and Palestine. Lebanon faces many internal challenges, such as economic crisis, political deadlock, social unrest, and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosion21
UN Security Resolutions
The UN Security Council adopted 131 resolutions directly addressing the Arab–Israeli conflict, with many concerning the Palestinians. Since 2012, a number of resolutions were issued dealing directly with the modern Palestinian state.
Some of the most notable resolutions in favor of Palestine are:
- Resolution 242 (1967): Calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied in the 1967 war, and the recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of every state in the region, including Israel and Palestine.
- Resolution 338 (1973): Calls for a ceasefire and the implementation of Resolution 242, and invites the parties to start negotiations aimed at establishing a just and durable peace.
- Resolution 478 (1980): Censures Israel for its annexation of East Jerusalem and declares it null and void, and calls on all states to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.
- Resolution 1397 (2002): Affirms a vision of a region where two states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders.
- Resolution 2334 (2016): Condemns Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory as a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace, and calls on Israel to cease all settlement activities.
Role of Russia, China, Turkey, and Iran in the Israel-Palestinian Crisis:
Russia: Russia has historically had closer ties with the Palestinian Authority and has sought to play a role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In recent years, it has engaged with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership to influence regional dynamics. Russia’s involvement can affect the balance of power and diplomatic efforts in the region.
China: China has generally maintained a stance of non-interference in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Its role has primarily been focused on economic investments in the region, including infrastructure and trade, rather than political mediation. China’s interests are largely economic in nature.
Turkey: Turkey has taken a more vocal stance in support of the Palestinian cause. It has criticized Israeli policies and has been involved in diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. Turkey’s position can impact regional discourse and influence certain Palestinian factions.
Iran: Iran has been a longtime supporter of Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. It has provided financial and military aid to these organizations. Iran’s involvement in the conflict is a source of tension between Iran and Israel and can influence the dynamics of the crisis.
U.S. as a Strong Ally of Israel:
The strong alliance between the United States and Israel is based on historical, strategic, and ideological factors:
Historical Support: The United States has been a consistent supporter of Israel since its establishment in 1948, and it was one of the first countries to officially recognize Israel. The U.S. played a key role in the founding of Israel, and this historical bond is significant.
Shared Values: Both nations share democratic values, respect for human rights, and the rule of law, which has created common ground.
Strategic Partnership: The U.S. sees Israel as a key ally in the region, sharing intelligence and cooperating militarily. Israel’s military capabilities contribute to regional stability and U.S. interests.
Lobbying and Domestic Factors: Pro-Israel lobbying groups in the United States have had a considerable impact on shaping U.S. policy toward Israel. Bipartisan support for Israel is strong in Congress.
Geopolitical Alignment: Israel and the U.S. often align on regional geopolitical issues, including concerns about Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
Military, Economic, and Strategic Dynamics in the Israel-Palestine Region:
Military, economic, and strategic dynamics in the Israel-Palestine region are complex and involve various regional and international players. Key aspects include:
Military Conflicts: The region has seen recurrent military conflicts between Israel and Palestinian groups like Hamas. International players may provide financial and military support to various factions, affecting the intensity of these conflicts.
Economic Interests: Israel has a robust economy, and the Palestinian territories are reliant on international aid. Economic stability and development are significant factors in regional dynamics.
Diplomacy and Mediation: Various international actors, including the U.S., European Union, and Arab states, engage in diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Mediation and peace initiatives can influence the conflict’s trajectory.
Geopolitical Rivalries: Geopolitical rivalries in the Middle East, such as between Iran and Israel or between regional Arab powers, can influence the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns: The impact of the conflict on civilian populations, including issues related to refugees, access to basic services, and human rights, is a significant consideration for international players.
Hamas’ Attack on Israel:
Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian organization, has engaged in conflicts with Israel for various reasons, including:
Political Goals: Hamas seeks to challenge and delegitimize Israel’s presence in the region and establish a Palestinian state, often advocating for the Palestinian right of return.
Internal Politics: Palestinian politics are fragmented, with tensions between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Hamas may use attacks to assert itself as a key player in Palestinian affairs.
Response to Events: Specific events, such as tensions in Jerusalem or Israeli military actions, can trigger conflicts.
Ideological Motivations: Hamas is ideologically committed to armed resistance against Israel.
International Attention: By launching attacks, Hamas aims to draw international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and gain support.
Israel-Palestinian Tensions Prior to Hamas Attack:
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are deeply rooted and can escalate for various reasons:
Disputed Territories: The long-standing dispute over land and borders, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, has been a source of conflict.
Settlements: The construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank have been a major point of contention.
Jerusalem: Disputes over control of Jerusalem, a city holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, often lead to tensions.
Gaza Blockade: The blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt has contributed to a humanitarian crisis and tensions.
Historical Disputes: Deep-rooted historical and political grievances on both sides have fueled ongoing hostilities.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are multifaceted and often tied to issues of national identity, territory, and competing historical narratives. These tensions have persisted for generations and remain at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Here is the current timeline of the Hamas attack and the ensuing mayhem,
- October 7, 2023: Hamas launches a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, using drones, explosives, tractors, motorcycles, and paragliders. The attack kills more than 800 Israelis and injures thousands more. Hamas also takes more than 150 hostages back to Gaza. Israel responds with airstrikes and artillery fire on Gaza, killing more than 500 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. Israel also imposes a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off its access to food, fuel, water, and medicine12345.
- October 8, 2023: Israel mobilizes its reserves and prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza. Hamas warns that it has more surprises in store and threatens to execute the hostages if Israel does not stop its attacks. The UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting and calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. The US vetoes a resolution that condemns Israel’s actions and demands an end to the blockade124.
- October 9, 2023: Hamas releases a video showing some of the hostages being tortured and killed. Israel vows to continue its operation until it destroys Hamas and rescues the hostages. Hamas fires more rockets at Israeli cities, killing dozens of civilians. Israel intensifies its bombardment of Gaza, targeting Hamas leaders, infrastructure, and weapons. The death toll rises to over 2,000 on both sides124.
- October 10, 2023: Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza, sending thousands of troops and tanks into the coastal enclave. Hamas puts up fierce resistance, using tunnels, booby traps, snipers, and suicide bombers. The fighting is fierce and bloody, with heavy casualties on both sides. The humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, as hospitals run out of supplies and power. The international community urges both sides to stop the violence and respect human rights124.
- October 11, 2023: Israel announces that it has killed the top Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in an airstrike on his bunker in Gaza City. Hamas confirms his death and vows to avenge him. Hamas also claims that it has shot down an Israeli fighter jet and captured its pilot. Israel denies this and says that all its pilots are accounted for. The UN Secretary-General calls for an urgent summit to end the crisis and prevent further escalation124.
- October 12, 2023: Israel announces that it has captured a senior Hamas commander, Mahmoud al-Zahar, in a raid on his hideout in Gaza. Israel says that al-Zahar was responsible for planning and executing the attack on October 7, and that he has provided valuable information on Hamas’s operations and whereabouts of the hostages. Hamas denies that al-Zahar was captured and accuses Israel of spreading lies1. The UN Security Council holds another emergency meeting and adopts a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. The resolution also authorizes the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the ceasefire. The US abstains from voting, while Russia, China, France, and Britain vote in favor2.
- October 13, 2023: Hamas rejects the UN resolution and says that it will continue to fight until Israel ends its occupation and aggression. Hamas also releases another video showing more hostages being executed. Israel also rejects the UN resolution and says that it will not stop its operation until it rescues the hostages and eliminates Hamas. Israel also releases a video showing al-Zahar confessing to his role in the attack and revealing Hamas’s secrets. The UN Secretary-General appeals to both sides to respect the resolution and end the bloodshed3. The death toll rises to over 4,000 on both sides4.
- October 14, 2023: The UN peacekeeping force arrives in the region and sets up its headquarters in Cairo. The force consists of 10,000 troops from various countries, led by a Norwegian general. The force tries to establish contact with both sides and negotiate a ceasefire, but faces difficulties and delays due to the ongoing hostilities and mistrust5. The humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further, as more than half of the population lacks access to clean water, electricity, food, and medicine. The UN relief agencies warn of a looming famine and epidemic in Gaza.
- October 15, 2023: A breakthrough occurs when Egypt offers to mediate between Israel and Hamas, using its contacts and influence with both parties. Egypt proposes a three-stage plan for ending the crisis: first, a 72-hour humanitarian truce to allow aid and evacuation of wounded; second, a prisoner exchange involving the hostages and Hamas fighters; third, a long-term ceasefire based on the 2014 agreement that ended the previous Gaza war. Both Israel and Hamas agree to consider the Egyptian proposal and enter into indirect talks through Egyptian intermediaries. The UN peacekeeping force supports the Egyptian initiative and prepares to deploy to Gaza once a truce is reached.
- October 16, 2023: The Egyptian-mediated talks between Israel and Hamas break down, as both sides accuse each other of violating the 72-hour humanitarian truce. Hamas resumes its rocket attacks on Israel, while Israel resumes its airstrikes and ground offensive on Gaza. The UN peacekeeping force tries to intervene and prevent further escalation, but faces resistance and hostility from both sides. The death toll rises to over 6,000 on both sides.
- October 17, 2023: A major explosion rocks the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, killing more than 300 people and injuring thousands more. Hamas claims responsibility for the attack, saying that it used a tunnel to smuggle a large amount of explosives into the city. Israel vows to retaliate and intensify its operation in Gaza. The UN Security Council condemns the attack and calls for an immediate end to the violence. The US announces that it is sending a special envoy to the region to try to broker a ceasefire1
- October 18, 2023: Israel announces that it has rescued most of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, after a daring raid by its elite commandos. Israel says that it killed or captured several Hamas leaders and fighters in the process, and that it recovered some of the bodies of its fallen soldiers. Hamas denies that Israel rescued the hostages, and says that it still holds some of them as bargaining chips. The UN Secretary-General welcomes the news and urges both sides to seize the opportunity to end the crisis.
