As Hamas hostages remain in captivity and the war in Gaza continues, polarizing forces are growing stronger, making the Israeli-Palestinian divide seem insurmountable.
Rigid and blind anti- and pro-Israeli camps, both in the region and beyond, demonize each other, refusing to take into account each other’s fears, suffering, rights or even humanity. .
One example is the toxic rhetoric brandished by many pro-Palestinian supporters in the West. Slogans at street protests and on campuses often go far beyond calling for a ceasefire or an end to the occupation, and go as far as denying Israel’s right to exist within all borders, to the glorification of the horrors of October 7 and to the incitement to anti-Semitism and violence. In doing so, they align themselves with Hamas and its allies (Iran, Hezbollah), who remain determined to destroy Israel and do not hide their objective.
Meanwhile, Israelis have hardened their hearts to the fate of the Palestinians; they did so well before October 7, but certainly more significantly since then. Unlike their counterparts in the rest of the world, Israeli media say little about the misery civilians in Gaza are experiencing as a result of the Israeli military campaign. Unfortunately, denial and rationalization of this misery are the norm.
Extremist rhetoric is also abundant on the Israeli side, from Prime Minister Netanyahu to his Kahanist ministers. These leaders vilify on a large scale not only the Palestinians, but anyone — including Israeli — who criticizes their government, thus justifying a war without an exit strategy and the increasingly stubborn annexation of the West Bank.
Yes, it is extremely difficult to face an enemy like Hamas, with its uncompromising ideology and its cruel tactic of blending its fighters into civilian populations. Yet Israel cannot shirk its responsibility for the massive humanitarian disaster in Gaza and its own part in the escalation of the conflict.
Recognize the pain of “the other”
Contrary to what polarizing movements might have you believe, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be resolved. Not easily, not overnight. But the answer is there, and has been for decades: a territorial compromise, two states for two peoples thanks to a negotiated peace agreement. To achieve this, we need astute diplomacy, rapprochement and, above all, visionary leadership.
As we enter a period of special commemorations in Israel and Palestine, we can expect the rhetoric on both sides to become more strident and more controversial. Commemorations of the Holocaust, the Nakba, fallen Israeli soldiers and Israeli independence will take place over the next two weeks. We hope that these will be opportunities not to deepen hatreds, but to broaden understanding. Looking beyond narrow tribalism. Recognize the pains and aspirations of “the other”. Work towards an approach and solutions that are both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian.
In this spirit, we recommend the joint Israeli-Palestinian Remembrance Day ceremony on May 12. Also in this spirit, we salute the peaceful organization Peace Now Israel, the most significant peace movement in Israel’s history. Every day, these activists denounce the violence and madness of the occupation. Every day, they raise their voices on the need to end the conflict with a two-state solution. Every day they fight for a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Since 1978, they have courageously and tirelessly been Israel’s leading voice for peace.