January 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas called for a ceasefire and to free hostages, bringing a long-awaited end to the conflict that had plagued the region for over a year. The war, which began in 2023, left a trail of devastation not only in the Middle East but around the world. Nations beyond the borders of the conflict submerged themselves in the political and economic turmoil in the two countries as the global community struggled to respond to the escalating violence. This cease-fire marks a turning point toward peace for both countries and others affected. Although the war ended, nearly two million people now need to rebuild their lives after the destruction.
Following the surge of violence triggered by long-standing tensions between the two sides, including disputes over territory, political control and the religious significance of key sites, this war does not come as a surprise. However, the Israel and Palestine war in 2023 stands as the latest in a long history of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. In 1948, David Ben-Gurion formed Israel as a haven for Jews running from the anti-Jewish movement during the Holocaust. He chose this area because of the deep ties relating to Jewish religious history. However, after declaring independence, five Arab countries surrounded Israel, resulting in Israel gaining the ownership of a substantial amount of land than they started with. After Israel settled, disputes over sacred lands, such as Jerusalem, ensued. To protect their peace, both countries claimed one-half of the city, although both countries still claim it as their capital. Over the following decades, the region saw multiple wars, uprisings and peace attempts, but the struggle for territory, sovereignty and recognition remains unresolved.
While the two groups sporadically engaged in violence over the years, tensions reached a breaking point October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a sizable-scale attack on Israeli territory, including thousands of rockets aimed at civilian and military sites. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and missile attacks on Gaza, targeting Hamas’ infrastructure and other strategic sites. The violence quickly escalated into a full-scale conflict, with both sides engaging in continued attacks for 15 months. The fighting caused widespread destruction, particularly in urban areas. Critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and homes took heavy damage, displacing nearly 2 million people, most of whom became forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The conflict also led to significant civilian casualties on both sides, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. International pressure escalated as the toll of the war grew, and despite external pressure for ceasefire and negotiation, the fighting persisted, deepening the rift between the two groups. The war not only devastated the region physically but also established political divisions, leaving the path to peace increasingly uncertain.
“I feel [the issue] is unnecessary and can easily be resolved if people got out their heads and saw a bigger picture. I think a cease-fire is very important because the fighting isn’t going to fix the problem, it just makes it worse. It’s sad seeing all the innocent people being killed,” junior Hailey Walters said.
Soon after news of the war spread, the situation quickly escalated on social media sites. As the conflict unfolded, worldwide outrage grew, leading to protests and strikes. Social media became a battleground for personal stories, with individuals, organizations and governments voicing their stances. In the U.S., young citizens supporting Israel dropped from 64% favorable among 18 to 34-year-olds to 38% in 2023. As a result, citizens protested companies that supported Israel such as Starbucks, Disney and Netflix by choosing to take their business elsewhere or calling for boycotts. These corporate actions, coupled with the public’s reactions, sparked heated debates about corporate responsibility, political influence and the role of businesses in global conflicts.
“I feel as if the turmoil in Palestine and Israel is all wrong and just pure evil. This is a one-sided genocide where Israel is killing innocent civilians including children and pregnant women. So many war crimes have been ignored, and I can’t help but wonder what has the world become. I know that this ‘war’ has been going on for decades. It’s been over 76 years, and both sides have received many deaths while fighting for land. Despite what many people, and what Israel has claimed, these war crimes have been going on since before October 7th, 2023,” sophomore Duaa Chishti said.
As of January 15, 2025, both groups agreed to a cease-fire to try and restore peace. Both sides committed to an immediate stop of missile strikes, airstrikes and other military actions. Additionally, the ceasefire calls for the release of hostages held by both parties, a crucial step toward rebuilding trust. The agreement also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, providing essential supplies to the millions affected by the conflict. International monitoring will happen to ensure compliance with the terms of the ceasefire. During the war, Gaza could not obtain necessities and aid because of its position. While the ceasefire offers temporary relief, the general public understands that further negotiations must address the deeper political and territorial disputes that have fueled the war.
The cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas marks an important step toward peace, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The war’s devastating impact on both sides left deep scars, with millions displaced and significant infrastructure destroyed. Although the cease-fire brings a temporary halt to the violence, the underlying political, territorial and religious tensions that fuel the conflict remain far from resolved. The international community, along with both nations, will need to work together to address these challenges and create a sustainable path toward lasting peace.
