Politics and news

Violence Between Palestine and Israel Causes Unprecedented Death and Destruction

Anger, conflict and ongoing tensions spill onto college campuses and elsewhere nationwide 

By: Gavin Knauft

In 1948, the state of Israel was formed. Since then, their neighboring country, Palestine, has been in conflict with them ever since. However, as of recently, the war between the Israelis and Palestinians has only worsened.

On October 7 of 2023, a Palestinian group that is considered a terrorist organization by the United States of America named “Hamas” released a full blown attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip.  The Gaza strip holds both strategic and religious importance to both Israel and Palestine and has been a driving force of conflict. In 1967 Israel took control of the territory, and after years of war Hamas ultimately gained control of the land in 2005 and has been governing it ever since. In the months prior to October 7, those who lived in Israel but recognized themselves as Palestinian civilians were victims of oppression by Israelis, being treated as an unequal part of society. 

As a result, a large Palestinian population migrated to the Gaza Strip as refugees.  From this, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on the Jewish population since the holocaust.  The organization strategically carried out their strike on a Jewish holiday named Simchat Torah.  They understood that because Israel would be celebrating a holiday, there would be much celebration and worship occurring in large crowds that took place in confined areas.  These factors made Israel vulnerable to Hamas' attacks, and over a 24 hour span, over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 were taken as hostages.  

This unprecedented ambush struck fear and panic into both Israeli civilians and the government.  On October 8 of 2023, Israel declared war on Hamas and pledged to destroy the terrorist organization.  Since Israel's engagement, they have launched both land and bombing attacks on the Gaza Strip that have resulted in over 11,000 Palestinians dead.  In addition, more than one million Palestinians left Gaza in order to seek protection from the attacks.  

In February of 2024, well over a year following Hamas' sneak attack and Israel’s retaliation, the war has not stopped.  However, on February 7 of 2024, Hamas proposed the idea of a cease fire to Israel.  They called it a three step, 135 day plan that would eventually lead to the end of the war.  During the first step, hostages that fit under the necessary description would be freed: Women, males under 19 years of age, and anyone who is either old or ill.  In addition, in order for this step to be successful, Israel would have to pull out their troops from the populated areas of Gaza.  The second step included that all male hostages would be freed.  Lastly, the third step included that all dead hostages would be sent to Israel.  

Although Hamas’ proposed ceasefire sounded simple and encouraging, the Israeli prime minister denied their request, calling the idea “delusional”, mentioning that it would only lead to another massacre.  Over February 22 and February 23 of 2024, there has been more talk of attempting to obtain a successful ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.  The United States of America has been in contact with Israel about such things, and Israel has displayed interest in coming to some sort of agreement.  

On February 24th and 25th of 2024, a summit took place in Paris that included mediators from Qatar, USA, and Egypt that put forward new proposals to Israel about a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, as of April 24th 2024, Columbia University is responding to the growing tensions between student groups and potential danger permeating its campus due to conflicting allegiances, by mandating that all classes be taught online for the remainder of the school year. At press time, Yale University, New York University and other prestigious colleges were experiencing similar turmoil as demands are made that colleges relinquish information regarding financial and other affiliations with Palestine/Israel.  

Deadly Avalanche at Ski Resort Warns of Dangers of Unstable Snow Conditions

By: Alison Palmieri 

On January 10, during a heavy snowstorm, an avalanche blew through Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, a well visited California ski resort. One skier was killed, three more were left injured, and many more were left terrified and concerned after the results of the tragedy. The death marked the first death caused by an avalanche in the 2023-2024 winter season. Although it may seem like a rare occurrence, thirty people were killed the year before. 

What triggered this specific avalanche is still unclear and remains under investigation. However, the area had received high amounts of snow the night before, which many believe contributed to the issue. After the tragedy, the Palisades Tahoe team evaluated all aspects of the mountain, including weather conditions, hazard markings, etc. and deemed it safe to reopen. Despite the assurance of safety, many skiers have not forgotten the fear they felt when the avalanche struck. 

Jason Parker, a snowboarder who was buried and then rescued told NBC News that the snow had “entombed” him and felt like a “tub of concrete.” He voiced feelings of helplessness and desperation when under the snow. He explains the dire situation, saying “Your only hope is for somebody to find you.” Parker was not alone in his experience of being trapped by the avalanche. Multiple people were buried as the avalanche hit before they could even recognize it. Skiers described the terrible scene of seeing people buried and screaming for help. 

32-year-old Loren Ennis explains how he was completely unsuspecting when on the slopes, and didn’t realize there was an avalanche until it was too late. “I thought that maybe somebody had run into me,” Ennis said. “The next thing I know I’m up to my neck and it’s like ‘This is an avalanche.’” 

Other resort visitors quickly sprung into action to help. Photos and videos that appeared on social media show skiers working to rescue others, using anything around them, including hands and equipment, to dig people out of the snow. 

This wasn’t the first avalanche to hit Palisades Tahoe resort. An avalanche last year forced all residents to evacuate the area, and another in 2020 killed a 34 year old skier. The resort was accused of negligence, as the family of this skier claimed that they were too fast to reopen the resort without proper safety measures. However, the lawsuit was settled in 2022. 

Dee Bryne, president of the resort, spoke at a press briefing after the avalanche. She expressed her condolences and empathy for all those involved, saying “This is a very sad day for my team and everyone here”.