Throughout the past week, the world has been stunned with the images, and videos that have been coming out of Israel, and Palestine. On Saturday, October 7th, a group called Hamas, whom the United States has deemed a terrorist group, launched a surprise attack on the Israeli population, killing almost anyone they saw. Since then, Israel has declared war, once again bringing a very high scale war to a region that has been riddled with war for the past few decades. 

With the surprise attack launched by Hamas, global support for the Israelis came out in full swing, from countries such as the United States, India, United Kingdom, and France, all of whom have expressed their sorrows for what happened, and their commitment to being allies with Israel. 

Many around the world were horrified by the videos, and images that were spread on the internet of what actually happened to those that were either killed by Hamas or captured by them. Many of whom that were killed were those that were in attendance of a music festival for peace in southern Israel, some of those that were killed were in fact Americans. 

President Biden, has backed up his statements saying that the United States will stay by Israel’s side, and support them through this challenging time. He also stated that he wishes for peace in the region, which is something that millions of people around the world want as well. 

Following the attacks, pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including some celebrations, could be seen in city streets, all around the world in places such as: Barcelona, London, and Philadelphia. Tensions have risen to an all time high, between the Palestians, and the Israelis and unfortunately the victims of this war are going to be defenseless children, who have been killed on both sides. 

Israel has since told the Palestinian residents to evacuate Gaza, before they start bombing it. However, Gaza is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with many of them being children. With Egypt still not letting Palestinian refugees in, they really have nowhere to go. Hamas has told them to stay put, which will most likely put many people right in the battlefield defenseless. 

Israel has also cut off electricity to Gaza, as many citizens of Gaza have been keeping the outside world updated on what is going on through X (Twitter), yet with no power, many of them have since said their goodbyes in what are very grim posts. With food and water shut off to the area, many world leaders like President Biden, have seemed to allude to the fact that they want to prevent a whole genocide from happening to the Palestinians, with many fearing that is what Israel wants to do. 

Hospitals in Gaza are either full, or have no more power, which has already caused four to be totally shut down, with numerous residents still inside of them, in great need. Many Palestinians are seeming to fear the absolute worst of what is to come, as this war between Israel and Hamas is most likely going to hurt them. 

What Israel is also trying to make sure is that they keep other terrorist groups from joining in. They have heavily accused, along with many United States politicians, that Iran was the one that helped supply Hamas, and gave them the go ahead. That however, is only speculation. 

Many major TV networks in the United States, have reporters on the ground in Tel Aviv, and other Israeli cities. It has been seen on CNN, with multiple instances that missiles have been launched while they are on air. In one clip you could see Israel’s “Iron Dome” go into effect, striking down incoming missiles. A clip from earlier in the week showed a reporter having to duck for coverage, while gunshots were going off, in the very near distance. 

Whatever anyone’s stance is on this incredibly polarizing issue, it is important to remember that the lives of millions of innocent people on both sides, are at grave risk. What happens to the Palestinians in Gaza, will be closely watched by much of the world, and prayers go out to all of them, as well as the families who lost loved ones in the initial Hamas attack. Especially with the war in Ukraine still going at full speed, it is imperative that now is a time that we advocate for peace, because peace is lacking in our world and it desperately needs it.