The Israel and Palestine Conflict: Since the United Nations voted in 1947 to partition Palestine and create the Jewish state of Israel, there have been arguments about the division of land. Outbreaks of violence around the issue have recently been centered in the area known as the Gaza strip, which is surrounded by Israel. Israel is opposed to the political control of Hamas in Gaza, and Hamas refuses to recognize Israel as a legitimate nation.

Hamas and Fatah
Hamas, which is actually an acronym meaning “Islamic Resistance Movement,” won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Parliament in 2006. They defeated the rival group, Fatah, and established dominance especially in the Gaza region. Peace talks between Israel and Palestine are often halted over the questions of whether to negotiate with Hamas or Fatah.

Although Hamas funded schools, mosques, and health-care centers in Palestine, they are known politically for their commitment to establishing an Islamic state in place of the divided territory that is now Israel and Palestine. They are also notorious for sponsoring suicide bombings directed towards the state of Israel.

The Gaza Flotilla Attack
The conflict is frequently in the news, but it most recently gained international attention following the Gaza flotilla attack on May 31. One of Israel’s main strategies for weakening the control of Hamas in the region is by limiting the flow of people and goods in and out of Gaza. There is a military blockade which requires all people to go through checkpoints and consent to searching.

The Gaza flotilla attack occurred when one group of activists attempted to breach the blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Turkey is now calling for an international investigation into the matter since the nine people killed in the Gaza flotilla attack were Turkish citizens.