**Trump Win, Hamas, And Gaza War: What Happened?**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Trump Win, Hamas, and Gaza War: What Happened?

The 2016 US presidential election, with Donald Trump's surprise victory, marked a shift in global politics, impacting the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict significantly. This shift, coupled with Hamas's escalating provocations, contributed to the eruption of the 2021 Gaza War. This article unravels the complex events leading to the conflict, exploring the role of Trump's policies and Hamas's actions.

Trump's Policies and the Shift in the Middle East

Trump's administration adopted a more pro-Israel stance than previous administrations. This shift was evident in various policy decisions, including:

• Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital: In 2017, Trump controversially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved the US embassy there. This decision was condemned by Palestinians and the international community, as it contradicted decades of international consensus on Jerusalem's status.
• Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 further strained relations with Iran, a key supporter of Hamas.
• Cutting aid to the Palestinian Authority: The Trump administration significantly reduced financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, citing corruption and lack of progress towards peace.

These policies alienated Palestinians, emboldened Israeli hardliners, and created a more volatile environment in the region.

Hamas's Escalation and the Rise of Tensions

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group controlling Gaza, exploited this volatile environment to its advantage. Their actions included:

• Launching rockets into Israel: Hamas intensified its rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, often in response to perceived provocations or Israeli military actions.
• Building underground tunnels: Hamas invested heavily in constructing an extensive network of underground tunnels, used for launching attacks, storing weapons, and moving personnel.
• Inciting violence: Hamas actively encouraged violence and unrest in the West Bank, further escalating tensions with Israel.

Hamas's escalating provocations served to legitimize Israel's military response, leading to a dangerous cycle of violence.

The 2021 Gaza War: A Complex Conflict

The culmination of these factors led to the 2021 Gaza War, also known as the "Eleven-Day War." The conflict erupted following weeks of escalating tensions, culminating in violent clashes at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The war saw Hamas launch a barrage of rockets towards Israel, prompting a fierce Israeli military response. While Israel focused on neutralizing Hamas's military infrastructure, civilian casualties were unavoidable. International pressure eventually led to a ceasefire, but not before leaving a devastating impact on Gaza.

The Aftermath and Implications

The 2021 Gaza War showcased the complex interplay of factors contributing to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump's pro-Israel policies created an environment ripe for conflict, while Hamas's escalating provocations provided the necessary justification for Israeli military action.

The war's aftermath highlights the need for a comprehensive solution to the conflict, one that addresses the underlying issues of security, economic development, and political rights for both Palestinians and Israelis. The lack of progress towards such a solution leaves the region teetering on the edge of further conflict, perpetuating a cycle of violence that has plagued the Middle East for decades.