The Never Ending Intifada

The First Intifada occurred from 1987-1993, while the Second Intifada occurred from 2000-2005… or did it really end?

While the books say that the Second Intifada ended in 2005, I would argue that the intifada never ended, but that it evolved more. Its complications have lasting impacts on both Israelis and Palestinians 20+ years later. No one is permitted into Gaza except aid workers, and most foreign journalists have been barred since October 7.

Some argue the Second Intifada ended on February 8, 2005, at the Sharm-El-Sheikh Summit. Some others say that it ended in August-September 2005, when Israel fully and unilaterally withdrew from Gaza.

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By the pressure of the United States, the Palestinians went to elections in early March 2006. The Palestinian people opposed this move but accepted it nonetheless. However, they were also skeptical of the corruption perpetrated by Fatah, the ruling party. To everyone’s surprise, Hamas came out on top. Israeli elections were later held that month after PM Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke that kept him in a coma for the rest of his life. 

Security and economically, the barrier with the West Bank and the wall with Gaza reduced terrorism by more than 90%, until October 7, 2023. Reports from Israeli agencies and the Ministry of Defense highlighted significant reductions in terror attacks, citing the effectiveness of the barriers and increased surveillance. Analyses by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism also supported these findings. Travel to and from Gaza has significantly reduced since the blockade was imposed in 2007, and the average Gazan lives off 13¢ a day.

Out of seven former border crossings, only 2 remain open in Israel, and the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is also open (temporarily closed for now).

Every time Hamas launched rockets into Israel, Israel tightened the blockade further, but in 2021, Israel gently lifted the blockade and issued temporary work permits to Gazans.

However, those permits became abused and October 7 happened as a result.

But, weekly terror attacks such as car rammings and stabbings on Israelis are not new. But October 7 was a whole new level. 

After Hamas’ victory, Fatah and The US tried to oust Hamas, but they were unsuccessful after Hamas retaliated, driving Fatah entirely out of Gaza.

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Since 2006, Gaza has become more dangerous under Hamas, putting the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians at risk. I pray for a more just world where Israelis and Palestinians can live together without fear of harm.

Today, Hamas rules Gaza while Fatah rules the West Bank, and while relations are strained between the two parties, since October 7, reconciliation talks have been held.

When US college students chant “Long Live the Intifada,” they not only lack historical education and intelligence but are reminding the Jewish people of a dark time in our history.  One thousand Israelis were killed over five years as a result of suicide bombings that occurred almost daily, and 300+ during the first Intifada.

Is that really what they want to be standing for?