The events of October 7, 2023, where Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a significant attack against Israel, can indeed be viewed within the context of a long-standing struggle for national liberation and statehood. Here's how this context unfolds:

Historical Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has roots tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, intensified by the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which supported the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War after the UN's partition plan, resulting in the creation of the State of Israel and the displacement of many Palestinians, known as the Nakba.

Occupation and Resistance: Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, areas intended for a future Palestinian state according to international resolutions. The occupation, coupled with settlements, blockades, and restrictions on movement, has fueled Palestinian resistance movements, including those by Hamas, which emerged in the late 1980s.

Gaza Blockade: Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel, with Egypt's cooperation, has imposed a blockade, severely limiting movement and access to goods, which has been criticized internationally as collective punishment. This blockade has contributed to economic hardship and a humanitarian crisis, providing a backdrop for resistance actions.

Hamas's Objectives: Hamas has declared its aim as ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an Islamic state in Palestine. Its charter historically includes the rejection of Israel's right to exist, though recent statements have shown a nuanced position on peace negotiations and statehood. The attack on October 7 was framed by Hamas as "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," suggesting retaliation for actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque and broader Israeli policies.

Violent Resistance: The scale and nature of the October 7 attack — involving rocket barrages, ground incursions, and the taking of hostages — were unprecedented in recent times. These actions are seen by some as part of the resistance against occupation, while others categorize them strictly as terrorism due to the targeting of civilians and the brutality involved.

Global Perspective: Internationally, reactions to the events of October 7 are polarized. Some see it as a desperate act within an oppressed context, while others view it solely through the lens of terrorism, focusing on the immediate violence and its consequences rather than the broader conflict. The response by Israel, involving significant military action in Gaza, has further complicated the narrative, highlighting the cycle of violence in this ongoing struggle.

Legal and Moral Considerations: Under international law, while resistance against occupation is recognized, the tactics employed on October 7, particularly the targeting of civilians, are widely condemned as violations of humanitarian law. The debate often revolves around the proportionality of response and the legitimacy of means used in the pursuit of liberation.

Understanding these events within the historical context of national liberation does not equate to endorsing the methods used but acknowledges the complexity of the conflict, where actions are influenced by decades of political, social, and economic grievances. This perspective does not negate the condemnation of violence against civilians but places it within a broader narrative of resistance against occupation and the quest for statehood.