Fact Check: Did israel start the war in palestine

Fact Check: Did Israel Start the War in Palestine?

What We Know

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most protracted and complex disputes in modern history, with roots tracing back over a century. The origins of the conflict can be linked to the rise of Zionism and the Balfour Declaration, which supported the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to increased tensions between Jewish and Arab populations (BBC).

The most recent escalation of violence began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and prompting a military response from Israel. This marked a new phase in an ongoing cycle of violence that has seen multiple flare-ups since the early 2000s, including major conflicts in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014 (BBC, NPR).

Historically, the conflict has involved various actors and has been characterized by wars, uprisings (intifadas), and military operations. The situation is further complicated by issues surrounding territory, borders, and the status of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their capital (BBC, World Factbook).

Analysis

The claim that "Israel started the war" can be interpreted in different ways depending on the historical context and the specific events being referenced. The recent conflict was initiated by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which Israel and many international observers characterize as an act of aggression (BBC, NPR).

However, the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals a long history of violence and retaliatory actions from both sides. For instance, the Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank have often been justified by Israel as necessary for national security, particularly in response to rocket fire from Hamas and other militant groups (BBC, Wikipedia).

The reliability of sources discussing this conflict varies. The BBC is generally considered a reputable source for news and analysis, providing a balanced view of the historical context and current events (BBC). In contrast, Wikipedia can be useful for quick reference but may lack depth and reliability due to its open-editing nature (Wikipedia).

The framing of the conflict as one-sided often reflects the biases of the sources reporting on it. For example, some narratives emphasize Palestinian suffering and resistance, while others focus on Israeli security concerns and the threat posed by Hamas. This duality complicates the determination of who "started" the conflict, as both sides have engaged in actions that perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Conclusion

The claim that "Israel started the war" is Partially True. While the immediate trigger for the latest escalation was Hamas's attack on Israel, the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals a long-standing cycle of violence involving both parties. Each side has engaged in actions that contribute to the ongoing conflict, making it difficult to assign blame to one side without considering the broader historical and political landscape.

Sources

1. Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained - BBC
2. Israel - The World Factbook
3. Israel – Wikipedia
4. Timeline of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2025 - Wikipedia
5. Israeli–Palestinian conflict - Wikipedia
6. Israelin–Iranin sota – Wikipedia
7. Middle East crisis — explained - NPR
8. Israel | Yle.fi | Uutiset, urheilu, ilmiöt