From the beginning in 1947, Palestinians wanted a unitary state instead of separate Jewish and Palestinian states, and were supported by their Arab neighbours.
Progress in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel did not sit well with Iran and combined with paralysis of Congress in the US, prompted Hamas to attack Israel with more than 4000 missiles, overwhelming the Iron Dome, injuring a thousand innocent civilians and killing more than 300. About 100 people were taken hostage and transported forcibly into Gaza. The Hezbollah operating from Lebanon but backed by Iran also targeted settlements in Israel. Israel Defense Forces have struck hundreds of sites in Gaza and many in Lebanon in immediate reprisals and are mobilizing heavy armor in preparation for major offensives. Prime Minister Netanyahu is prepared for a long war.
Simply put US capabilities of protecting its allies is being stretched and tested.
The attack by Hamas is in essence the opening of a second front against democracies because the primary fight to topple the Ukrainian government has stalled at increasing costs to Russia. The intent of Iran allied with Russia is to force the US to increase its military commitments to Israel at the expense of supporting Ukraine. Furthermore, Iran continues to develop nuclear capabilities which Israel, not unreasonably views as an existential threat. At the same time North Korea continues its nuclear tests and has been sending artillery shells and ammunition to Russia. Although independent of the Hamas and Russian attacks, China has already been threatening Taiwan and is poised to take advantage of any wavering of US support for Taiwan. Simply put US capabilities of protecting its allies is being stretched and tested.
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