Fact Check: Hamas is the aggressor

Fact Check: "Hamas is the aggressor"

What We Know

The claim that "Hamas is the aggressor" has gained traction in light of the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a significant and coordinated attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and numerous kidnappings (The Western Howl). This attack is described as unprecedented in its scale and brutality, with reports of civilians being targeted during events such as the Supernova Universo Paralello Festival (The Western Howl).

In response, Israel initiated a military operation against Hamas, which included a complete siege of Gaza, cutting off essential supplies such as electricity, food, and water (The Western Howl). The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides, with over 11,180 Palestinians reported dead as of mid-November 2023 (The Western Howl).

Historically, the term "aggressor" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been debated. The context of previous conflicts, such as the 1967 Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, has shaped perceptions of aggression, with both sides claiming victimhood at different times (Palestine/Israel: A Primer). However, the immediate context of the October 7 attack positions Hamas as the initiator of violence in this latest round of conflict.

Analysis

The assertion that Hamas is the aggressor is supported by the immediate timeline of events leading up to and following the October 7 attack. The scale and nature of the attack—targeting civilians and resulting in significant casualties—align with common definitions of aggression in military conflicts (The Western Howl). Furthermore, the subsequent Israeli military response, while severe, is framed as a reaction to Hamas's initial aggression.

However, it is important to consider the broader historical context. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in a history of territorial disputes, military actions, and political failures. For instance, the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories and the conditions in Gaza have contributed to a cycle of violence that complicates the narrative of aggressor and victim (Gaza war - Wikipedia). Critics of the narrative labeling Hamas as the sole aggressor argue that the actions of Israel, particularly in terms of military occupation and settlement expansion, have perpetuated hostilities (NPR).

While the evidence points to Hamas's actions on October 7 as the catalyst for the current escalation, the complexity of the conflict means that labeling one side as the aggressor without acknowledging the historical grievances may oversimplify the situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Hamas is the aggressor" is substantiated by the immediate events of October 7, 2023, where Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, prompting a significant military response. While historical context is crucial for understanding the broader conflict, the specific actions taken by Hamas in this instance clearly position them as the initiators of violence in the current escalation.