As the current tragedy in the Middle East unfolds, I have been struggling to translate my feelings into words. Quite ironic for a writer, but the horror we all have witnessed is hard to recount. 

Of all the world issues, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is undoubtedly one that evokes the strongest opinions, the strongest emotions and is deeply divisive. 

I have my own personal opinions on this issue, but I will not use this platform to further the divide and encourage infighting in The Oakland Post comment section. However, I want to address an issue I have noticed in the last week which is deeply troubling. 

Saturday Oct. 7, was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. In a coordinated, surprise attack, the internationally designated terrorist organization, Hamas, launched a barbaric assault on the people of Israel. 

By land, sea and air, terrorists invaded Israel –– butchering innocent civilians using tactics eerily reminiscent of Nazi Germany.  

The stories from survivors have been grisly and truly heartbreaking. Thomas Hand, a father living in the Be’eri Kibbutz community, described his relief to CNN reporter Clarissa Ward upon discovering his eight year old daughter had died in the attacks. 

“I smiled because that is the best news of the possibilities that I knew,” he said. “That was the best possibility that I was hoping for. She was either dead or in Gaza, and if you know anything about what they do to people in Gaza, that is worse than death. The way they treat you –– they’d have no food, they’d have no water. She’d be in a dark room filled with Christ knows how many people, and terrified every minute, hour, day, and possible years to come. So death was a blessing, an absolute blessing.”

As of Oct. 15, the death toll has risen to 1,400 Israelis including 29 Americans. Additionally, Israel has confirmed that at least 199 civilians are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. 

In light of this gruesome attack, it has been disheartening, alarming and disappointing to witness the reaction from so many around the world. Victim blaming as the immediate response is unforgivable.

Citizens should not be punished for the crimes of their governments. The actions of Hamas do not represent the Palestinians’ desires and right to self-determination. So why are so many condoning this act of violence? 

Similarly, Israel’s controversial policies do not invalidate their citizens’ rights to safety and security. Again I ask, why have so many turned a blind eye? Did American civilians on 9/11 deserve to be attacked by Al Qaeda? Why does the attack in Israel appear to evoke a morally ambiguous response? There is never a case where terrorism should be supported. 

When is there ever an excuse for murder, rape, and kidnapping? There isn’t. These barbaric acts do not help to “Free Palestine.” They have just created more violence, death, and continued suffering on both sides. 

As Israel prepares for an inevitable ground war in Gaza, the death toll will only continue to climb for Israelis and Palestinians. It seems like the idea of peace in the region is becoming more unattainable with each day that passes. 

As the rest of the world watches the conflict unfold, we need to keep in mind that encouraging violence only breeds more violence. The fact is, Israelis are not going anywhere. Neither are Palestinians. The most talented political minds of the last century have tried to find a solution to this conflict to no avail. I certainly don’t have the answer either. 

All I can say is the acts of Oct. 7 should be unequivocally condemned. I know that statement might be controversial to some –– and that’s a fact that is also difficult to come to terms with.

I, like so many others across the world, want and hope for peace. If achieving peace in the Middle East is the true objective of this conflict, inciting violence is not the means to this end. That only serves to propagate the historic cycle of violence and senseless deaths.