Fact Check: Hamas started the war in gaza

Fact Check: "Hamas started the war in Gaza"

What We Know

The claim that "Hamas started the war in Gaza" refers specifically to the events that unfolded on October 7, 2023. On this date, Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Israel, which included land, sea, and air assaults, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily Israeli civilians. This attack is described as the deadliest day for Israel since its establishment in 1948 (BBC, Britannica). The operation was termed "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" by Hamas, as announced by its military leader, Muhammad Deif, in a recorded message (Wikipedia).

The conflict that ensued has been characterized by significant casualties on both sides, with tens of thousands of Palestinians reported killed in the subsequent Israeli military response (Wikipedia, BBC). The war is part of a long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, particularly Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007 (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The assertion that Hamas initiated the conflict is supported by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry on the Gaza war explicitly states that the war began with Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. This is corroborated by the BBC, which outlines the timeline of events leading to the war, emphasizing that Hamas's actions were a direct catalyst for the military escalation (BBC).

Further analysis of the sources indicates a consensus among various reputable outlets regarding the nature of the conflict's initiation. For instance, the Britannica and CBS News both detail the unprecedented nature of the October 7 attacks, framing them as a clear act of aggression that triggered a large-scale military response from Israel.

In evaluating the reliability of these sources, it is important to note that they are established news organizations and encyclopedic references known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking practices. The information provided is consistent across these platforms, which enhances its credibility.

Conclusion

The claim that "Hamas started the war in Gaza" is True. The evidence clearly indicates that Hamas's coordinated attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, marked the beginning of the current conflict, leading to significant military responses and casualties on both sides. The sources consulted provide a coherent narrative that supports this assertion.

Fact Check: Hamas started the war in gaza