Israel-Gaza Conflict


What a time to be alive in a world rife with turmoil and discord . . .

of Biblical prophecies unveiling before our eyes. 


The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza serves as a painful reminder of the destructive power of war and hatred. The situation, viewed on the surface, seems complex, deeply rooted in history, and shaped by a myriad of political, cultural, and religious factors. However, as Dennis Prager has stated - and to which I agree -  the situation is not complex at all. It is very simple. One side wants the other side  dead. 

The Conflict

We all know that the Israel-Gaza conflict is not a recent development; it has plagued the region for decades. It involves two distinct parties: the State of Israel, and the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, an Islamist political and military organization. The conflict is characterized by territorial disputes, violence, and a deeply ingrained sense of grievance on both sides.

Over the years, this protracted conflict has resulted in immeasurable suffering, and there are moments that shake our collective conscience to its core. The horrifying massacre that took place on the morning of October 7th, 2023 is one such moment. The magnitude of this tragedy is both horrible and unjustifiable, and it should be unequivocally condemned.

It was a fateful morning that would change our lives . . . Forever.  Approximately three miles from the border lining the Gaza Strip, thousands of Israelis were gathered in the Negev Desert near the Kibbutz Re'im, for the Supernova trance music festival. A night of fellowship filled with joyful dancing soon turned bloody, when in the early morning hours following the festival, Hamas terrorists broke through the scene with one thing on their minds: carnage. Over 1,300 innocent lives were lost, and more than 200 were taken hostage. 

In response, Israel has declared war against Hamas, firing targeted airstrike after airstrike in Gaza, and vowing that it will not stop until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is completely destroyed. But for some twisted and convoluted reason, this response by Israel has received more condemnation than the October 7th massacre itself. This confirms what I've been suspecting all along. That the world has gone truly mad. 

Understanding Pain

The pain and grief felt by the people of Israel in the aftermath of the massacre is something that we, as observers, should empathize with and understand. The loss of innocent lives is a tragedy that transcends borders and ideologies. It is an irrefutable truth that no one should ever endure such violence, and we must stand in solidarity with those who have suffered.

With such brutality, it is only fair for Israel to feel the thirst for justice and retribution. The desire to protect one's citizens and seek reparation for the violence inflicted upon them is a fundamental aspect of any nation's responsibility. We must understand the urge for a strong response to safeguard the lives of Israeli citizens.

We must also understand that it is crucial to place the blame for this horrific act squarely where it belongs: on Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Hamas's actions have consistently brought terror and suffering to the people of Israel, but also to their own people in Gaza. I have more to say about the horrors of Hamas, but let's save that for another story. Hamas must be held accountable for its crimes and condemned by the international community. 



However, even in seeking justice, it is imperative that Israel remains committed to protecting the lives of innocent Palestinian citizens. Striking a balance between defending the Israeli people and minimizing Palestinian casualties is a daunting challenge, but it is a moral obligation that must be upheld. In doing so, Israel must distinguish the terrorists who have no regard for human life, from the innocent people who are caught in this war. 


The Casualties of War

My heart bleeds for the people on both sides. My heart shatters when I listen to the families of the victims of October 7th. I am filled with horror as I force myself to look upon photos and footage of the innocent blood that was spilled that day. It is also gut-wrenching to see Palestinian mothers in Gaza weep for their dead children. One by one, I skim through the photographs and the videos. I listen to the agonizing cries of grief. I've seen enough, and I will never be the same again. 

It's heartbreaking to see children in Gaza and Israel grow up amidst the constant threat of violence, fearing for their lives and their future. Innocent civilians, who have no role in the conflict, are caught in the crossfire, enduring hardships that no one should ever experience. The toll on mental health, especially among the youngest members of these communities, is staggering, with countless children facing trauma that may scar them for life.


Peace and Love, Not War and Hate

The call for peace and love is not just a utopian dream. It is a necessity for the well-being of all those caught in hate's grasp. It is a call to humanity to unite against the horrors of war and hate, to empathize with the suffering on all sides, and to work tirelessly for a future where the cycle of violence can be broken.

As we look at the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by Israel and Palestine, we recognize that the path to peace is not an easy one. It requires courage, compromise, and a commitment to dialogue. The recent history of peace negotiations in the region has been marked by failures and setbacks, but this should not deter us from seeking a resolution to this conflict.

Choosing peace and love over war and hate is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our humanity.  Embracing this path does not mean ignoring past grievances or pretending that the pain does not exist. It means acknowledging the suffering on both sides and striving to find common ground to end the bloodshed.

It is the responsibility of leaders on both sides, as well as the international community, to prioritize the well-being and aspirations of the people over political posturing. We must look beyond the political rhetoric and divisive narratives and focus on the shared humanity that binds us all. The capacity to forgive, heal, and build bridges is a formidable force for good that can transform lives and create lasting peace.


Or maybe I'm being totally naive and ignorant.


Palestine's Rejection of Peace

How to achieve peace, when one party is not interested in peace? For decades, Palestine has been rejecting every offer for peace. Contrary to the perception held by many, Israel is genuinely committed to achieving a lasting peace with its Palestinian neighbors. And this is evident by Israel's repeatedly expressed  willingness to engage in negotiations and find a two-state solution that respects both sides. Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005 in the hope that it would lead to a peaceful resolution. However, instead of fostering cooperation and economic development, Hamas took control and initiated a series of conflicts, undermining any prospect for peace.


From the River to The Sea

But what does Palestine really want? "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free". That's the chant echoing the streets of Palestine and those that support them. What they want is not a two-state solution, but a one-state solution where there is no Israel, no Jew, but only Palestine.



------- ✦ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ✦ -------

Yunaleska is a nurse, writer and a graphics designer for a digital marketing company. She blogs about health, home, family, nature, and varying social issues of our time. She likes to put on her "tin foil hat" and dig deep into conspiracy theories with the hope of shedding some light on these topics.  She is a Christian, her pronouns are "I-Told-You-So", and is a fur mom to five Shih Tzu's and a Husky.  She loves to watch movies and documentaries in her spare time.

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