Fact Check: "Palestinians started the war"
What We Know
The claim that "Palestinians started the war" refers specifically to the events surrounding the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. This attack included the firing of rockets and incursions into Israeli territory, resulting in significant casualties and prompting a military response from Israel (source-1, source-5).
Historically, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep roots, dating back over a century, with numerous wars, uprisings (intifadas), and ongoing disputes over land and rights (source-2). The conflict has seen cycles of violence initiated by both sides, with each claiming to be responding to provocations from the other (source-4).
The October 2023 attack by Hamas was characterized as a significant escalation and was widely reported as the beginning of a new phase in the ongoing conflict (source-6).
Analysis
The assertion that Palestinians started the war simplifies a complex situation. While it is accurate that Hamas initiated the hostilities on October 7, 2023, the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be considered. The conflict has been marked by a long history of violence and retaliatory actions from both sides. For instance, prior to the October attack, there were ongoing tensions, military operations, and retaliatory strikes that contributed to an environment ripe for escalation (source-3, source-8).
The sources used to substantiate this claim vary in reliability. The BBC and Reuters provide comprehensive historical overviews and context, making them credible sources for understanding the conflict's background (source-2, source-4). In contrast, some sources may present a more biased perspective, focusing solely on the actions of Hamas without addressing the historical grievances and provocations that have fueled the conflict (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that "Palestinians started the war" is Partially True. It accurately identifies that Hamas initiated the latest round of violence on October 7, 2023. However, this statement lacks the necessary context regarding the long-standing and multifaceted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which includes historical grievances, cycles of violence, and retaliatory actions from both sides. Thus, while the immediate trigger for the war was indeed an action by a Palestinian group, the broader historical context complicates the narrative of blame.
Sources
- Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy. Congress.gov
- Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained. BBC
- Gaza war. Wikipedia
- What's the Israel-Palestinian conflict about and how did it start? Reuters
- History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Wikipedia
- Gaza war: What is the history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Reuters
- Timeline of the Israel-Hamas war. Simple English Wikipedia
- Israel-Hamas War (Gaza conflict) | Explanation, Summary, Ceasefire. Britannica
