The recent attack by Hamas against Israel is just the latest episode in a long-standing conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.
While the struggle for control over The Holy Land has been going on for thousands of years, this particular conflict dates back to 1947 when the United Nations voted for the British-ruled Palestine to be divided into separate Jewish and Arab territories.
In 1948, Jewish leaders proclaimed the establishment of the state of Israel, with the aim of providing a haven for Jews escaping persecution and creating a national homeland. However, the day after Israel declared statehood, it was attacked by five Arab nations.
After a year of fighting, Israel emerged victorious and gained control of most of the territory, forcing a large number of Palestinians into a small area of land known as the Gaza Strip.
"There have been severe tensions and there has been something of a blockade already in place in Gaza for years that's been affecting it economically. So, when Hamas did this amazing surprise attack they say it's justified because of the hardships they have been suffering under those restrictions," explained Truckee Meadows Community College Political Science Professor Fred Lokken.
The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated territories in the world with more than two million people living in an area that is 25 miles long and 10 miles wide.
The militant group Hamas, which has won legislative control of the government, is known for its extremist views and its stated aim of destroying Israel.
"When Israel responds, it responds to any kind of attack with an iron fist and there are collateral casualties and it's often innocent citizens. Hamas has the tactic of putting it's military operations in the middle of population centers to be able to use them as human shields. So, if you're going to eradicate Hamas in any way and weaken it, invariably civilians die," explained Lokken.
There are two other major Palestinian territories located in the West Bank and the Golan Heights. So far those populations have not entered the conflict.
Meanwhile, the United States has deployed two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, near Israel, in a show of support for its long-standing ally.
"The United States wants to send the strongest message that we are a solid ally with Israel and we're willing to bring our support to the foreground and utilize our troops in defense of Israeli security. So, this is a very risky time, but the U.S. pronounced policy is trying to do everything it can to stop the spread," explained Lokken.
Israel has publicly sworn to kill every member of Hamas, and intends to occupy the Gaza Strip until a new government can be installed.
