Killing does not solve problems, it merely prolongs them. Neither does it bring security. These claims are demonstrated by the attack on Israel by Hamas last October, the subsequent war on Gaza, and now Hamas’ execution of six hostages.
Hamas is motivated by the frustration and anger of 750,000 Palestinian refugees whose rights have been ignored for 75 years, ever since they were expelled from their homes during the creation of the state of Israel. But Hamas’ attack of last October and their killing of hostages most certainly does not bring Israel to recognize Palestinians’ rights. Meanwhile, the killing of 40,000 Palestinians and the destruction of Gaza does not make Palestinians want to live with Israel.
Safety and security for both Israel and the Palestinians require calling a halt to the cycle of retaliation. Is there a Palestinian or Israeli Gandhi in the picture, or a magnanimous gesture for peace?
The United States is not an impartial observer in this conflict. It gives billions of dollars in unrestricted aid to Israel each year. As long as the aid flows, the U.S. is implicated in Israel’s conduct of the war.
Stephanie Ramer and Mark Bauman, both of Madison, co-directors, Mennonite Action Madison
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