Fact Check: Palestine started the war

Claim Analysis: "Palestine started the war"

Introduction

The claim that "Palestine started the war" refers to the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023. This assertion suggests that the actions of Palestinian groups, particularly Hamas, were the initiating factors of the conflict. The context of this claim is crucial, as it touches upon a long-standing and complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What We Know

1. Initiation of Hostilities: On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties and hostages taken. Reports indicate that over 1,200 people were killed in Israel during this attack, marking it as one of the deadliest days in the country's history 18. Following this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, indicating a formal recognition of the conflict's escalation 1.

2. Historical Context: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots, dating back to the early 20th century with the Balfour Declaration and the subsequent establishment of Israel in 1948. Tensions have persisted through various wars, uprisings, and peace processes, making it a multifaceted issue 26.

3. Hamas's Designation: Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States. This designation influences the perception of its actions and the broader conflict 3.

4. Casualties and Impact: The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with ongoing military actions and humanitarian crises reported in Gaza as well 79.

Analysis

The assertion that "Palestine started the war" primarily hinges on the characterization of Hamas's actions on October 7, 2023. While it is factually accurate that Hamas initiated the attack, the broader implications of this claim require careful scrutiny.

1. Source Reliability:

   • The Global Affairs article from Universidad de Navarra provides a concise overview of the events leading to the declaration of war, but it may lack comprehensive historical context 1.
   • The Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports offer detailed insights into the conflict's dynamics, though they may reflect a U.S. governmental perspective that could introduce bias 34.
   • Historical analyses from sources like the BBC and The New York Times provide context but may also carry inherent biases based on their editorial slants 56.

2. Bias and Conflicts of Interest:

   • Some sources, particularly those affiliated with governmental or political entities, may present information that aligns with specific narratives or agendas. For instance, the U.S. designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization influences the framing of the conflict 3.
   • Media outlets may also have editorial biases that affect their reporting on the conflict, potentially leading to skewed interpretations of events 56.

3. Methodological Concerns:

   • The claim's validity is often supported by selective historical narratives that emphasize specific events while downplaying others. A comprehensive understanding of the conflict requires acknowledging the cyclical nature of violence and the actions of both sides over time 210.

4. Contradicting Perspectives:

   • While Hamas's attack is a clear trigger for the current conflict, many analysts argue that the roots of the violence are deeply embedded in longstanding grievances, including occupation, settlement expansion, and lack of a viable peace process. This perspective suggests that attributing the start of the war solely to Hamas oversimplifies the situation 68.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Palestine started the war" is partially true, as it accurately identifies that Hamas initiated the recent escalation of violence on October 7, 2023. However, this assertion oversimplifies a complex situation rooted in a long history of conflict, grievances, and political dynamics. While the immediate trigger was indeed Hamas's attack, the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves multiple factors, including historical injustices and ongoing disputes over territory and governance.

It is important to recognize that the available evidence presents a nuanced picture. The characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization influences perceptions of the conflict, and various sources may carry biases that affect their portrayal of events. Additionally, the cyclical nature of violence in this region complicates the narrative of blame.

Readers should approach this claim with a critical mindset, considering the historical and political complexities involved. The assertion that one party solely "started" the war does not encapsulate the full reality of the situation, and it is essential to evaluate information from multiple perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the conflict.

Sources

1. War In Palestine and its Impact on Western countries. Global Affairs. Universidad de Navarra. Link
2. History of the Israel and Palestine Conflict. Neumann University. Link
3. Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Link
4. Congressional Research Service Reports. Link
5. A Historical Timeline of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - The New York Times. Link
6. Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained. BBC News. Link
7. Gaza war - Wikipedia. Link
8. Gaza war: What is the history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Reuters. Link
9. 500 days of the Israel-Hamas war, by the numbers. AP News. Link
10. History of the Israeli-Palestine conflict: A chronology. The Washington Post. Link