Letter From the Editors

This conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties both in the Gaza Strip and in Israel. In New York City this has led to colleges canceling classes, protests arising, and a series of live footage on social media. The Israel v. Hamas conflict has hit home for all of us. However, due to the sensitivity of this issue, it’s difficult to cover with an unbiased view, but we refuse to be silent given our diverse student body and how frightening it is to know nothing but hear everything. Knowing this, it becomes imperative to approach the coverage of the Israel and Hamas conflict with caution and responsibility. Honoring this, we believe it is crucial to focus on presenting the facts rather than attempting to assert the righteousness or wrongness of any side involved or to repeat a story filled with many intricacies. Before we do, we’d like to state that this is a conflict between Israel v. Hamas and information in the media may not be the entire truth.

What We Know:

• Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire Britain took control of the land the UK was tasked to create a Jewish homeland out of the Palestinian territory. 

• This resulted in conflict on both sides where Britain eventually withdrew from Palestine and Jewish leaders declared the creation of the Jewish state. 

• Israel was recognized as an independent country in 1948 after WW2 as a home for the Jewish people 

• The creation of the Jewish state resulted in a large number of displaced Palestinians who went to refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza and still are there to this day.

• The Gaza Strip and the West Bank are Palestinian territories surrounded by the state of Israel.

• Hamas is a militant organization that has governed the Gaza strip strip since 2007.