On the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

More than any other conflicts affecting the world peace, the escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered by the long-time Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stirred up by Israel’s far-right extremism of PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US military support to it, are highly upsetting. We, Interfaith Action for Social Justice, look at the problem from a pacifist standpoint of Christian character, anchored in the principles of human dignity and rights (as “Man is made in the image and likeness of God.”), on these issues of “aggression against the people in their right to self-determination.” An increasing number of people around the world, mostly youth, are sympathizing with the Palestinian people in their just cause. 

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to 1948 (with its roots in the biblical times, from around 1300 BC), 1948 when the State of Israel was declared and established. 77 % of what then previously was the British-ruled Mandatory Palestine (including the larger part of Jerusalem) has since then become its expanse. As for the Palestinians, parts of their long-time occupied West Bank (incl. East Jerusalem) and Gaza Srip encroached on and their liberty compromised, their aspiration and struggle for the State of Palestine has since then become their call, getting the UN’s attention and intervention into it. After the 6-day Arab-Israeli War, with Israel as the victor, all the Palestinian territories have turned under Israeli occupation. The Palestinian people have become more determined to have the State of Palestine declared and established. Counteracting Israel’s die-hard resistance to it, Hamas was formed in 1987 to radically pursue their just cause.

Though elements of factional extremism have been at play by both sides, the severity of it and the extent it has reached is largely attributable to Israel’s far-right faction. The mid 1990s’ “Oslo  Accords” by the UN intervention and then US President Clinton’s mediation for the “2-State Solution” agreed on with a procedure for implementation, if not by its uncooperation and deviations, could have ended the long-time and intricate conflict at that most opportune time. Hamas has been incited to retaliate fiercely more and more to the Israeli offensives under Netanyahu’s command.

“Violence begets violence,” also expressed as “hate begets hate,” is a passage in the Gospel of St. Matthew (26:52) which we at IASJ attest to. Factional extremism that resorts to use of violence is more likely to worsen and prolong the conflict than curb and end it. Aided by the US government’s military support, Netanyahu’s Israel Defense Forces’ continuing extremely aggressive and indiscriminate airstrikes to the Palestinian-occupied territories have already caused over 40,000 deaths, mostly civilians (70% are women and children), a genocide in scale, and severe infrastructure destructions to that effect. The Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, prior to it, caused around 1,200 deaths, mostly hostages. An atrocity in the extreme that can’t be ignored. But the growing disproportionality in number of casualties both the Netanyahu government and the US government are callous at and unremorseful of is a lot more disconcerting.

In the name of humanity and Christianity, people of good conscience and persuasions should be one in denouncing and condemning the inhumane and brutal aggressiveness of the Netanyahu government of Israel and the US government’s support to it. While we follow and thank the UN for its renewed and enhanced support to the just cause of the Palestinian people and for its recent rulings and resolutions on ending the conflict, we call on the International Court of Justice to stand by its decision that would have the State of Palestine declared, established, and recognized in finality. And the International Criminal Court to come up with a proportionate verdict on the crimes of the opposite sides in this conflict. We want a world governed by humanity and living in peace.