October 7th started as a normal Jewish holiday in Israel, until the quiet kibbutz communities near the Gaza strip were inadvertently attacked by Hamas militant groups. Families and friends were torn apart, there was pain, fear, cries, disbelief, and death by the end of that fateful day.
Hamas broke through from Gaza border and reportedly injured hundreds and killed ~1400 Israeli people including over 260 young party-goers at the Nova Music Festival. As of this time there are still ~230 hostages comprising of elders, children, men, and women that the militant group took back to Gaza strip.
Videos emerged in social media of the helpless hostages, some being paraded lifeless, while onlookers jeer and celebrated. Some being hauled like sacks of potatoes on trucks or bikes. Their faces confused and hopeless.
By nightfall, the sky lit as Israel’s iron dome defense system intercepted rockets fired from the Gaza strip.
Since that day, Israel have launched deadly offensive on the Hamas in Gaza. Unfortunately, sadly civilian Palestinians were caught in Israel’s wrath.
As of February 25, 2024, 29,410 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 12,660 children and 8,570 women. Additionally, 69,465 others have been injured, with more than 70% of the wounded being women and children.. Let me emphasize that about 43% of the dead were children – 43% who were not even part of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel.
Hostage’s update:
On October 20, Hamas released the first captives after negotiations through diplomatic channels with mediation from Qatar and Egypt went through. And after over a month, both Hamas and Israel agreed for a truce to release hostages as swap for imprisoned Palestinians.
One could only imagine the state of the hostages months after losing communication with their loved ones – are they safe and are they even alive? Rallies and protests have sprung up calling on the Israel government to fasten their actions to get the hostages back.
Israel continued its ground and air assault against Hamas, they also blocked fuel/water/food/electricity and any humanitarian support for Gazan civilians. Calls for ceasefire from the United Nations, leaders, and people across the world have fallen under deaf’s ears by the Israel government.
After the October 7th attack, can we blame Israel and it’s people?
The other side of the story…
It is important to note that the conflict between Palestine and Israel did not start on October 7th, it has deep-rooted historical origins, shaped by the struggle for territory and identity. To understand the present, let’s delve into the past, where the creation of the State of Israel and the displacement of the Palestinian people set the stage for a complex and enduring conflict.
Following the end of World War II, the Zionist movement, aiming to establish a Jewish homeland, gained momentum. The United Nations, in 1947, proposed the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, a decision met with vehement opposition from the Arab world. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel, marking the beginning of a tumultuous journey for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, known as the Nakba (catastrophe), created a wave of refugees who sought solace in neighboring Arab countries. This diaspora laid the groundwork for decades of tension, as both sides claimed historical ties to the land.
Over the years, a series of conflicts and wars ensued, with the territory of Gaza becoming a focal point. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlements from Gaza, but the region remained under strict Israeli control. The power struggle between Israel and Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, escalated into sporadic conflicts, leading to devastating consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Where do you stand?
Most if not all, hope for Justice for those who died (both sides), release of the hostages-prisoners (both sides), Peace (ceasefire from both sides) and Compassion-Humanity (asking Israel to temporarily stop the bombings and the shootings of civilians does not mean the ask is anti-semitic). Strong feelings about the Holocaust emphasize the importance of empathy for the Jewish community, while witnessing the suffering of Palestinians may inspire a call to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Our perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict may be shaped by faith, historical awareness, and a sense of moral contemplation. The juxtaposition of the Holocaust and the current situation in Gaza may evoke feelings of irony, prompting someone to critically examine the actions and policies of all parties involved.
To navigate these complexities, stay informed, engage with diverse perspectives, and foster conversations that promote understanding. You may seek solace and guidance in your faith while grappling with the ethical dilemmas presented by the ongoing events in the region.
As of February 25, 2024, Israel forces have started its assault of Rafah (the southernmost part of the Gaza strip), the world is watching now as to where the Palestinians will go after this, meanwhile negotiations for the release of the hostages is set to continue in Qatar next month.
Read more:
https://www.britannica.com/place/Palestine
https://www.britannica.com/place/Palestine/The-Crusades