The attacks by Hamas on Israelis on 7 October started a conflict that’s now raged for over a year. The length of it is significant, but the provocation is symbolic of the ongoing plight of Israel to make its neighbours in the world to understand its predicament.
It’s easy to suggest it’s the other way around, but it’s also easy to doubt. The previous clashes between Israel and Hamas have also been preceded by acts of provocation. A succinct and exact timeline cannot present a moral argument either way.
The fact is Israel came under assault, and it’s received the same backlash as before from the international community. The fact it’s felt to be the worst attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust is beside the point. It apparently doesn’t matter because Gaza matters.
The possessive attitude many international partners in the UN have toward a small strip of land is surprising. It’s not likely many have significant interests in it, and besides aid what is left of their claim? There’s little to admire in a non-committal international community.
