The Israel-Hamas Armed Conflict in the Middle East: A Sociological Lens

Abstract

The State of Israel and the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas have been in conflict for decades. Amid the conflict, Israel is determined to maintain control of Gaza and strive to eliminate Hamas as a terrorist organisation at all costs. Hamas’s objection to Israel’s attempt to occupy Gaza and its refusal to recognise the State of Israel led to violence that resulted in many losses of life and property. This article examined the Israel-Hamas armed conflict in the Middle East, using a sociological lens. Henri Tajfel and John Turner’s Social Identity Theory was adopted as a framework to guide the paper. Using evidence from textbooks, journals, media reports, government publications, and online sources, the results showed that the conflict between Israel and Hamas stems from many factors, including territorial settlement, political and ideological differences, and the role of the international community. The consequences of the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas include loss of life and property, destruction of critical infrastructure, economic disruption, and diplomatic relations. The study recommended the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution that prioritises the protection of human life, dignity, well-being, and critical infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The international community should stop supporting an escalation of the conflict and instead engage in a peaceful effort to reconcile Israel and Palestine. Further research is needed to determine the coping strategies of the displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and nearby cities.