On October 7, 2023, an Islamist group called the Hamas initiated an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, the Hamas had killed over 364 people and took 40 people hostage including both men and women.
The morning of, Hamas launched rockets at the border separating Israel and Gaza.
The barricades of the border were destroyed, Hamas then blocked off the roads leading to the music festival.
Nova Music Festival
Hamas started to gun down individuals killing some and forcing others to flee while some were captured and taken as hostages.
The Nova Music Festival was held during the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret.
In total 1,200 men, women, and children were murdered by Hamas, and 254 were taken hostage by Hamas.
U.S Involvement
Immediately following the attack, President Joe Biden announced that his administration would increase additional military support so Israel can defend its cities.
The Biden administration has also transferred over billions of dollars in bombs, military supplies and other ammunition to Israel.
October 7, 2024 Brown University calculated that the U.S has spent over $17.9 billion dollars to aid Israel’s military.
After effects of October 7
According to the United Nations Press since October 7, Israel has carried out multiple airstrike raids into Gaza while Palestinians have accused Israel of targeting civilians and people inside hospitals.
The Gaza Strip is home to more than 36 hospitals and only four have not been affected by the Israel attacks.
According to the U.S News & World Report there have been over 45,856 individuals who have died due to the Israel-Hamas War since October 7, 2023.
According to Al Jazeera, the number of casualties are 44,757 Palestinians and 1,139 Israelis.
According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, almost two million people who had been living in Gaza have fled their homes which is at least more than 85% of their population.
Antisemistim in the U.S
Antisemistim is on the rise around the world, the U.S in particular recorded over 10,000 anti semitic incidents since October 7 according to Brandeis University.
More than 1,200 of these incidents were reported on college campuses while 2,000 occurred at Jewish institutions such as synagogues.
The most reported incidents being over 8,000 were verbal or written harassment while 150 incidents were of physical harm.
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), New York 110%, California 73%, New Jersey 78%, Florida 72%, and Texas 45% are where the most antisemetic incidents occur.
Prime Minister’s Response
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech in July 2024 asking the U.S to expedite aid to Israel.
According to the United Nations, Netanyahu said “Israel seeks peace, Israel yearns for peace, Israel has made peace and will make peace again.
Yet we face savage enemies who seek our annihilation and we must defend ourselves against them.”
Outcome of U.S Election
According to PBS news, with Donald Trump being elected as the next president of the United States, Israel settlement advocates believe Trump’s history of support could translate into their supreme goal: Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
This would be a move that critics say would take away any remaining hopes for Palestinian statehood.
Everyday the people of Israel and Gaza are fighting to keep themselves and their loved ones alive throughout this difficult time; many individuals are also praying for the day where this war can end but as of right now all we can do is hope for a peaceful resolution.
