As demonstrated by the current situation following Hezbollah’s attack on Israel, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict claims new victims on both sides of the border every day. The violence seems to be endlessly escalating, fueled by military actions, terrorist attacks, and incessant reprisals. October 7, 2023, marked a particularly dark turning point in this tragedy with Hamas’s attack on Israel, an event that can be accurately described as a modern pogrom. As the world watches this crisis with a mixture of shock and confusion, it becomes clear that this conflict is not only misunderstood by many governments worldwide but is also fueled by failed leadership and terrorist forces like Hamas and Hezbollah, which threaten to destabilize the entire region. It is imperative to understand why new leadership is necessary to break this cycle of violence and what concrete actions could be taken to establish true peace.
October 7: A modern pogrom
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a coordinated attack against Israel, targeting civilian communities and causing hundreds of deaths and injuries. This brutal assault, marked by massacres of entire families, kidnappings, and acts of barbarism, is reminiscent of the pogroms that mourned Jewish communities in Eastern Europe in past centuries. The images of violence inflicted on Israeli civilians, including women and children, shocked the entire world but also revealed the extent of the antisemitic hatred that Hamas continues to propagate. This attack was not a military aggression but a deliberate attempt to spread terror and dehumanize an entire people.
Hamas and Hezbollah: Two faces of terrorism
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is widely recognized as a terrorist organization. Its engagement in violent actions, including rocket attacks on civilian areas and hostage-taking, reflects a strategy aimed at destabilizing the region through fear and chaos. But Hamas is not alone in this terror enterprise. To the north, Hezbollah, based in Lebanon and supported by Iran, represents an equally grave threat.
Hezbollah is also classified as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Canada. This group has a history of military confrontations with Israel, and its rhetoric, like that of Hamas, calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. If Hezbollah decides to become more involved in the ongoing conflict, it could turn an already complex conflict into a major regional war. Such an escalation would result in massive human losses not only in Israel and Lebanon but throughout the region, with potentially catastrophic international repercussions.
The troubling silence of feminist movements
One troubling aspect is the silence of international feminist movements after October 7. Hamas's attack was marked by particularly atrocious violence against Israeli women. Reports have surfaced of rapes, sexual assaults, and brutal murders, perpetrated with unparalleled violence. Yet, feminist voices, usually quick to denounce violence against women, have remained strangely silent.
This raises an uncomfortable question: Can an Israeli woman be raped without sparking international outrage? Why this indifference to such blatant acts of barbarism? Could this silence reflect a political or ideological bias that prevents some movements from denouncing crimes when the victims are Israeli? This situation shows how humanitarian causes can be instrumentalized or ignored depending on the nationality or religion of the victims.
A conflict misunderstood by world Chancelleries
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the oldest and most complex conflicts in the world, but it is often misunderstood by international governments. Many governments and international organizations tend to reduce this conflict to a simple territorial issue or an asymmetric struggle between a powerful army and an oppressed people. This simplistic view does not consider the realities on the ground, nor the deep historical, religious, and cultural roots that fuel this violence.
Many governments underestimate the influence of extremist ideologies that drive Hamas and Hezbollah, and their commitment to pursuing the destruction of Israel at all costs. Moreover, it is often ignored that these terrorist groups use Palestinian civilians as human shields, complicating any military response from Israel and exacerbating the suffering of innocents. For many, Israel's actions are systematically condemned without considering the overall context or the terrorist nature of its adversaries. This misunderstanding reinforces polarization and hinders peace efforts.
The influence of Israeli extremists: an obstacle to peace
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also hampered by the influence of Israeli extremists. Although these groups are not involved in acts of terrorism, their impact on the peace process is significant and harmful. Israeli extremists, often from the far-right political spectrum, advocate uncompromising positions regarding Palestinian territories and Palestinian rights. They strongly oppose any territorial concessions and political compromise, fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility.
These groups exert considerable pressure on Israeli policies, using their influence to block peace initiatives and prevent serious negotiations. Their violent rhetoric and resistance to peace agreements contribute to polarization within Israeli society, making it even more difficult for Israeli leaders to take bold steps toward a lasting solution.
The presence and influence of these extremists complicate dialogue with the Palestinians and exacerbate tensions. Their actions and discourse reinforce stereotypes and mistrust on both sides, creating an environment where the compromises necessary for peace seem unattainable. For real progress to be made, the Israeli government must take steps to mitigate the influence of these groups.
The urgent need for new leadership
The current leadership, both on the Israeli and Palestinian sides, is locked in a logic of confrontation that leaves little room for negotiation or compromise. Benjamin Netanyahu, relying on a strict security and repression policy, does not offer a genuine vision for long-term peace. On the other side, Hamas, as a terrorist organization, does not seek peace but the destruction of Israel, using violence as its only leverage.
New leadership, capable of overcoming these destructive patterns, is needed on both sides to move toward a resolution of the conflict. This leadership should be based on several key principles:
Dialogue and negotiation: New leadership must prioritize open and honest dialogue, engaging in direct discussions not only with local actors but also with the international community. This includes reviving serious peace talks.
Renunciation of violence: The new Palestinian leadership must commit to renouncing violence and disarming terrorist groups like Hamas. This can be supported by international assistance to restructure Palestinian security forces and encourage a gradual demilitarization process.
Mutual recognition: A decisive step toward peace would be the mutual recognition of the legitimate rights of both peoples to live in security and dignity. For Israel, this would mean accepting the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, while for Palestinians, it would involve recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and abandoning the idea of its destruction.
Internal reforms: On the Israeli side, new leadership could implement political reforms to reduce internal polarization. On the Palestinian side, a more transparent and democratic political system is needed, allowing citizens to choose leaders who truly represent their aspirations.
Regional initiatives: New leadership should also explore regional initiatives, collaborating with moderate Arab countries to support peace and stability. Economic, environmental, and security cooperation agreements could serve as a foundation for building lasting peace.
Conclusion
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a critical point where current leaderships are incapable of offering a viable solution. New leadership, both in Israel and Palestine, is essential to break with the past and pave the way for lasting peace. This leadership must be courageous, willing to take risks for peace, and engage in genuinely inclusive dialogue while addressing the deep roots of violence.
The silence of some international actors, including feminist movements, in the face of the atrocities of October 7 shows how misunderstood and mishandled this conflict is. Only a new approach, focused on mutual understanding, justice, and dignity for all, can offer hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.
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