Problems in the West Bank and Gaza

May 12, 2026, 13:24
European UnionPolitics

Introduction

Israel is building more houses in the West Bank. There is also a war in Gaza. The European Union is now punishing some people in Israel and Hamas.

Main Body

Israel is building new roads and houses. They broke some Palestinian shops to make these roads. Israel says the roads help people travel. Palestinians say this stops them from having their own country. Some Israeli settlers are taking water and destroying farms. In Gaza, the army controls a lot of the land. The army might stop the peace plan if Hamas does not give up its weapons. The European Union is angry. They put sanctions on some settlers and Hamas leaders. Hungary did not want this before, but now they agree. Israel says these punishments are not fair.

Conclusion

Israel is taking more land. Now, the European Union and Israel are not friends.

Learning

⚑ The 'ING' Action

In this text, we see words like building, taking, and destroying.

When you see is + word-ing, it means the action is happening now or is a current trend.

  • Israel is building houses. β†’ It is happening today.
  • Settlers are taking water. β†’ This is a current action.

Quick Rule: Am/Is/Are + Verb + ing = Now!

πŸ›  Simple Word Swaps

To reach A2, you can replace simple words with 'stronger' ones found in the text:

  • Bad things β†’ Punishments / Sanctions
  • Give β†’ Provide (though the text uses 'give up')
  • Stop β†’ Control

🌍 Who is who?

Notice how the text links people to their groups:

  • The European Union β†’\rightarrow A group of countries.
  • Settlers β†’\rightarrow People who move to a new place.
  • Leaders β†’\rightarrow People in charge.

Vocabulary Learning

building (v.)
to make a structure by putting parts together
Example:She is building a new house.
road (n.)
a long, wide path for cars or people to travel
Example:The road to the city is closed.
house (n.)
a building where people live
Example:They moved into a new house.
war (n.)
a conflict between countries or groups
Example:The war in Gaza is very serious.
European Union (n.)
a group of European countries that work together
Example:The European Union talks about trade.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:Many people are in the market.
travel (v.)
to go from one place to another
Example:They travel to Paris every summer.
country (n.)
a nation with its own government
Example:Israel is a country in the Middle East.
water (n.)
a clear liquid that we drink
Example:He drinks water every day.
army (n.)
a group of soldiers
Example:The army protects the country.
weapons (n.)
tools used for fighting
Example:The army has many weapons.
angry (adj.)
feeling upset or mad
Example:She is angry because she lost her book.