Editorial Review
Booklist Review of The Israel-Hamas War
Offering a judicious account of the attack on Israelis by the militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, this book succinctly explains the history behind this latest surge in violence between the Israelis and Palestinians. The text incorporates firsthand accounts of people who survived the October 7 attack and the Israelis and Palestinians directly impacted by the conflict. The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) aggressive response to the Hamas attack and the humanitarian efforts enacted in response are described. The last chapter explains how the world responded to the conflict, visible through foreign aid efforts, the eruption of worldwide protests, and the widening of the war beyond Gaza. This evenhanded account explains IDF’s actions against Hamas while also allowing readers to empathize with innocent Palestinians in Gaza who are not Hamas members. Boxed asides and photo illustrations add context to the events being described, and a preliminary time line helps readers keep track of key events at a glance. Appended with source notes and a resource list, this will help those trying to understand this devastating ongoing conflict.