With the expiration of the six-month ceasefire, it was only a matter of time before the long-simmering tensions between Israel and Palestine erupted again into violent conflict. The agreement, mediated by Egypt, ran out on Dec. 19. Eight days later, Israel responded to Palestinian rocket attacks by launching a series of air strikes on the Gaza Strip as a part of Operation Cast Lead. According to Israeli leaders, the operation aimed to weaken Hamas and bring an end to terrorism.

“Hamas has been firing over 5,000 rockets into Israel since 2000,” said sophomore Max Spitalnick, co-president of Hillel. “Yes, they have not hit many civilians but that’s still a constant shelling of rockets at civilian populations and that’s inexcusable.”

Since Dec. 27, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 13 Israelis, three of whom were civilians, and approximately 1,300 Palestinians.

An estimated one-third of Gazans killed were children.

“The use of white phosphorous on civilians, which is banned internationally, and bombing U.N. schools three times, which resulted in the deaths of more than 60 civilians, reflects how Israel does not respect humanity nor international laws,” said Dana Hamdan, a sophomore from Jerusalem. Israel began the strikes after multiple Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza. Some believe that the attacks were intended to provoke such a response.

“It depends on the outcome but what Hamas has successfully done is irritate the Israelis to the point where they have responded with overwhelming force,” said Robert Duncan, assistant professor of political science. “That is the goal of terrorists everywhere: to be so obstreperous that they respond with overwhelming force.”

Defending civilians and providing security is cited as the main reason for the operation.

“The base root of everything they do militaristically is the security of civilians, their civilians and worldly civilians,” said sophomore Joseph Fox, co-president of Hillel. “The majority of people (in Israel) felt unsafe and you can’t live like that.”

Despite the provocation, Israel’s response is seen by many as out of proportion. “I can see why they’re doing what they’re saying they want to do,” said Yacoub Saad, hall director. “I can see why they say they want to do it, but I cannot agree with whatever they say they want to do. It does not justify killing over 300 children. The means do not justify the end, whether I agree with the end or not.” The reasons behind the conflict may involve Israel’s desire to see a more moderate party, such as Fatah, come to power in Gaza. Fatah supports a two-state solution with Israel, while Hamas does not. “What (Israelis) are hoping is that somehow they can put Fatah in charge of the West Bank and Gaza and bring, if not economic prosperity, than at least better conditions to Gaza and discredit Hamas,” said Ken Gilmore, associate professor of political science. “Then the radicals in Hamas become just that-radicals. They become people who are fighting against the best interests of the people. The chances are slim but they might be the best they have going.”

On Jan. 17, Israel announced a complete ceasefire in Gaza, declaring the campaign a victory. As a condition of the ceasefire, Israeli troops would remain in the territory. Later, Hamas also declared a ceasefire, giving one week for the troops to withdraw.

Despite the declaration, rockets continued to be fired from Gaza into Israel. “Since the Hamas ceasefire started, they have fired six rockets into Israel,” said Spitalnick. “That was the first day of the ceasefire. What on this green earth would make me think they’re going to start picking up their end of the bargain now, when they haven’t ever?”

People on both sides of the conflict believe that the ceasefires are only the first step towards a solution to the ongoing conflict.

“It’s a step towards peace,” said Fox. “Security to the point of disarmament would be a lasting peace for me. An Israeli able to visit the Temple Mount would be a lasting peace for me. An Israeli taking the train to Jordan through the West Bank would be a lasting peace for me.”

“I really want to be surprised and open my TV and see for the first time that the U.N. or the international community is going to take the Israeli government to court for war crimes and have the punishment done, not just written and said,” said Hamdan.