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Over the weekend, Palestinian militants with Hamas, the Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip, mounted a highly coordinated invasion of Israel, rampaging through Israeli towns, killing people in their homes and on the streets, and taking hostages. Over 800 Israelis have died so far, including more than 100 young Israelis who were dancing at an outdoor rave. At least 150 Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas fighters.
On Monday, Israel ordered a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip as it retaliated for the attack, the largest and deadliest incursion into its territory in decades. Israeli jets launched airstrikes on Gaza, which Israel’s military said had destroyed centers that house Hamas militants. Palestinian officials said that a hospital had been hit, along with multistory buildings, homes, mosques and a busy marketplace, and that more than 700 Palestinians had been killed. Hamas threatened to respond to the Israeli bombing campaign by executing hostages.
The relentless, deadly conflict between Israel and Palestinians has spanned two centuries. The fighting has left thousands dead. Sometimes, the bloodshed has been incited by Israel targeting militant leaders or responding to protests. Other times, violence has been set off by attacks from Hamas or other militants. In this case, there was no obvious flashpoint, and Israel’s intelligence community and government seem to have been caught by surprise.
Gaza has been under a suffocating Israeli blockade, backed by Egypt, since Hamas seized control of the coastal strip in 2007. The blockade restricts the import of goods, including electronic and computer equipment, that could be used to make weapons and prevents most people from leaving the territory.
The timing of the assault was notable, hitting Israel at one of the most difficult moments in its history. It came after months of profound anxiety about the cohesion of Israeli society and the readiness of its military, a crisis prompted by the far-right government’s efforts to reduce the power of the judiciary.
The attacks also came on the holiday of Simchat Torah, and nearly 50 years to the day since the Israeli authorities were caught off-guard when invading forces from Egypt and Syria set off the start of the Yom Kippur War.
Because this is breaking news, the best way to know what is happening is to follow live updates. The Times has also published an explainer that summarizes what we know about the Hamas attack and Israel’s response.
Students, read the “What We Know” explainer and then tell us:
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What is your reaction to Hamas’s attack on Israel and to Israel’s response? What emotions, feelings and thoughts are you experiencing?
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What questions do you have about what is happening now and about its larger context? This is a complex and quickly moving news story. If you don’t think you have enough background to respond to any of our prompts please post some of the things you are wondering about.
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How closely have you been following the news? Where are you getting your information? How do you know that what you are seeing and hearing is accurate? (For example, NPR’s “On the Media” offers a “breaking news consumer’s handbook” with tips like “focus on known, credible news outlets with reporters on the ground.”)
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What kind of conversations have you had with friends and family members on this subject? Have you and the others in your life had similar reactions to the attacks or different ones? Why do you think that is?
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Have you seen pictures, videos or social media posts documenting what life is like in Israel and Gaza right now? If so, what scenes or images have made an impression on you, and why?
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What do you think might happen next? Why?
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What do you know about how countries around the world are responding? What else, if anything, do you think the United States and other countries should do?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.
