Israel’s Actions in Gaza Will Come Back to Haunt It
I’m scared even to put this thought in writing, because who am I, a non-Jew, to judge a nation which has had to fight so hard for its survival? How can I presume to know how Israel should respond to the horrific attacks of 7 October? How dare I?
But as someone who has studied and worked on this conflict for years, has spent time in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel, and has both Jewish and Arab friends, I find it impossible to watch this latest tragic cycle of events unfold, without comment.
It is precisely because I care about the suffering on both sides that I feel compelled to put this down: with its devastating onslaught on Gaza, I believe Israel is making not only a strategic mistake, but also a moral mistake, which will come back to haunt it.
I know many will accuse me of antisemitism or of judging Israel by standards that I don’t expect of others. Many will claim that I am ignoring Hamas’ barbaric attacks on 7 October, or even justifying them, by arguing that Israel’s response is wrong.
Others, knowing that I have strongly condemned Hamas’ terrorism, and repeatedly supported Israel’s right to self-defence, will argue that my sympathy for Israel was too shallow and short-lived to be genuine, and that my true colours are now emerging – biased towards the Palestinians.
I strongly reject any such characterisations. It is possible to hold more than two thoughts at the same time.
It is possible to abhor Hamas’ attacks, and yet feel Israel’s response is disproportionate. It is possible to deeply empathise with what Israelis experienced on that dreadful day, and yet deeply feel for the Palestinians experiencing Israel’s vengeance now. It is possible to be a friend of Israel, and yet criticise it…
