Who is in the wrong in Gaza conflict?
The Gaza conflict is a deeply complex and polarizing issue, with a history spanning decades and involving multiple parties—primarily Israel and Hamas, but also other Palestinian factions, regional actors, and international powers. Determining "who is in the wrong" depends heavily on perspective, as each side has its own narrative, grievances, and justifications. Below, I’ll outline the key actions and arguments of the primary parties involved, drawing on the principle of examining all sides critically, while acknowledging the human cost and avoiding oversimplification. I’ll also incorporate recent developments from the provided context where relevant.Background and Key Parties
The conflict’s current phase escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, which, according to Gaza health authorities, has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly 2 million people, and caused a humanitarian crisis. The conflict is rooted in longstanding issues: Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, Hamas’s control of Gaza, and competing claims to land and sovereignty.Hamas’s Actions and Arguments
Actions: Hamas, a militant group governing Gaza, initiated the October 7 attack, targeting civilians and military personnel, including an assault on a music festival. They’ve fired thousands of rockets into Israel and continue to hold hostages. Hamas has been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Recently, Hamas rejected Israeli-proposed withdrawal maps in ceasefire talks, citing Israel’s intent to retain control over 40% of Gaza, including Rafah and northern areas.
Arguments: Hamas claims it fights for Palestinian liberation against Israeli occupation and blockade, which they argue has turned Gaza into an "open-air prison." They frame their actions as resistance to Israel’s policies, including settlement expansion and restrictions on Gaza’s economy and movement. Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal in ceasefire negotiations.Criticisms: Critics argue Hamas’s tactics—indiscriminate rocket fire, hostage-taking, and embedding military operations in civilian areas—violate international law and exacerbate Palestinian suffering. Some X posts blame Hamas for initiating the conflict and using civilians as shields, holding them responsible for Gaza’s casualties. Others note that Hamas’s refusal to disarm is a sticking point in negotiations.Israel’s Actions and Arguments
Actions: Israel’s response to October 7 involved extensive airstrikes, ground operations, and a blockade of Gaza, leading to over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, including many civilians, and widespread destruction. Recent reports highlight Israeli attacks killing civilians waiting for aid (e.g., 10 killed on July 11, 2025) and targeting schools and displacement camps. Israel has been accused of war crimes and ethnic cleansing by UN officials and Hamas, with claims of deliberately targeting civilians and restricting aid. Israel’s proposed ceasefire terms include maintaining a buffer zone in Gaza and control over parts of the territory, which Hamas rejects.
Arguments: Israel asserts its right to self-defense against Hamas’s attacks, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities and secure the release of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the war as necessary to prevent future threats, though some reports suggest political motives, such as maintaining power by prolonging the conflict. Israel claims it targets only military objectives but blames Hamas for civilian deaths due to their use of human shields.Criticisms: Israel faces international condemnation for the scale of its response, which critics argue is disproportionate and violates international humanitarian law. UN officials have called Gaza a “graveyard of children and starving people,” accusing Israel of engineering a humanitarian crisis. X posts and editorials, like those from Haaretz, argue Israel, as the occupying power, fails to uphold its legal responsibility to protect Gaza’s civilians. The blockade and attacks on aid seekers have drawn particular scrutiny.Other Actors and Context
Palestinian Civilians: The primary victims, caught between Hamas’s militancy and Israel’s military operations. Over 57,000 deaths, 137,000 injuries, and mass displacement highlight the humanitarian toll. Starvation and lack of medical care are rampant due to aid restrictions.
International Community: The UN and EU have criticized both sides—Israel for excessive force and aid blockades, Hamas for war crimes. The U.S., under President Trump, has pushed for a ceasefire, with recent talks in Doha stalling over withdrawal terms. Some X posts reflect polarized views, with pro-Israel voices blaming Hamas entirely and others condemning Israel’s actions as genocidal.Regional Dynamics: Iran’s support for Hamas and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea complicate the conflict, while Saudi Arabia has signaled potential peace talks with Israel if the war ends.Who Is in the Wrong?
Both sides have committed actions that violate international law and exacerbate suffering:
Hamas: Their October 7 attack deliberately targeted civilians, a clear war crime, and their tactics risk Palestinian lives by operating in civilian areas. Their refusal to disarm or compromise in talks prolongs the conflict.
Israel: The scale of its response—killing tens of thousands, including civilians, and restricting aid—has been widely criticized as disproportionate and potentially genocidal. Netanyahu’s political motivations and insistence on maintaining control over Gaza territory undermine ceasefire efforts.
Shared Responsibility: Both parties have failed to prioritize civilian lives. Hamas’s initial attack triggered the war, but Israel’s response has caused far greater loss of life and destruction. The cycle of violence—rooted in decades of occupation, blockade, and militancy—makes it impossible to pin sole blame on one side without ignoring the other’s contributions.
Conclusion
The question of “who is in the wrong” lacks a singular answer. Hamas’s terrorism and Israel’s disproportionate response both perpetuate a cycle of violence that devastates civilians. International law assigns responsibilities to both: Hamas as a non-state actor committing war crimes, and Israel as an occupying power failing to protect civilians. The conflict’s roots—occupation, displacement, and mutual distrust—require both sides to compromise for peace, yet recent ceasefire talks show neither is fully willing. Blaming one side exclusively ignores the complexity and fuels further polarization. The focus should be on ending the humanitarian crisis and securing a lasting ceasefire, as continued violence benefits neither party nor the civilians caught in the crossfire.