What birthed the Israel - Palestine war

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a highly complex and sensitive issue with deep historical, political, and social roots. It's important to note that opinions on this conflict vary widely, and there is no single "right" perspective. The conflict centers around issues such as territory, borders, refugees, and national identity.

To understand the conflict better, it's essential to study its history, the various perspectives of both Israelis and Palestinians, and the efforts made by international organizations and governments to find a resolution. Additionally, staying informed about current events and developments in the region is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing situation. Remember that a balanced and informed approach is essential when discussing this conflict.

Let focus on the present happenings

The attacks began about 6.30am Israeli time on Saturday when thousands of Hamas rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel and as far as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

At the same time, hundreds of Palestinian militants paraglided across the heavily guarded frontier, while others stormed towns by boat or after blasting holes in the Gaza–Israel barrier.

They then went door to door gunning down innocent civilians and soldiers before kidnapping more then 100 Israelis and taking them into Gaza.

In response, the Israeli army said on Monday that it hit more than 500 targets in the Gaza Strip in overnight retaliatory strikes on the impoverished and blockaded Gaza Strip, an enclave of 2.3million people. 

Officials there reported at least 413 Palestinian deaths.

In Australia, pro-Palestinian protestors were allowed to chant 'gas the Jews' and burn the Star of David in front of Sydney's Opera House on Monday night.

Counter-demonstrators were arrested for attempting to fly the Israeli flag at the protest site. 

Police are now under fire for allowing the protest to go ahead - while telling Jewish Australians to 'stay home' for their own safety.

The rally, organised by the Palestine Action Group Sydney, saw vast numbers of pro-Palestine activists gather at Town Hall in Sydney's CBD before marching to the Opera House.

Chaotic scenes ensued when the demonstration was hijacked by radical Muslims - some wearing black masks - who threw lit flares at police and chanted 'f*** Israel' and 'f*** the Jews' beneath the steps of the iconic harbouside venue.

At one point, there were even chants of 'gas the Jews'.

A large crowd of men attempted to set light to an Israeli flag with firecrackers before stamping on it and tearing it to shreds.

Cries of 'Allahu Akbar' ('God is great' in Arabic) and 'death to the Jews' rang out as some members of the crowd swarmed towards the police barrier, brandishing torn pieces of the Israeli flag - despite the rally organisers calling for protesters to respect the police.

More than 100 cops formed a ring of steel along the steps of the Opera House and didn't intervene when flares or other projectiles were thrown at them.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he 'deplored' the rally and described it as being 'against the tenets of our multicultural community'.

'We lit up the Opera House in support of innocent people who have had their lives slaughtered or loved ones kidnapped,' Mr Minns told Sunrise.

'The community expectation from the vast majority of people I have spoken to in the past 48 hours has been horror at the actions of Hamas and also the demonstrations that have taken place in Sydney in the past 48 hours.'

Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on pro-Palestinian protesters to abandon the rally.