Understanding the Israel-Hamas Conflict: Exploring Perspectives and Paths to Peace

Introduction:

In the midst of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is essential to approach the situation with a deeper understanding of the historical and ideological factors at play. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, examining both the Israeli perspective and the arguments put forth by Muslim nations in solidarity with Hamas. As a theologian and bridge-builder, I will endeavor to present a balanced view while offering a path forward guided by logic and sound reason.

The Israeli Perspective:

Israel’s Response to Hamas Attack:

The conflict began on Saturday 7 October 2023, when Hamas militants breached the wall and barricade, launching a brutal attack on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of civilian lives. In response, Israel initiated military action with support from the United States and widespread international condemnation of the terror attacks. From the Israeli perspective, this retaliation is viewed as an act of self-defense to protect its citizens.

What does Palestine really want?

Israel has no Rightful Legitimate Claim to the Occupation of Land.

The argument that Israel has occupied Palestinian territory for 75 years is a critical point of contention.  On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on the same day.  Since that day, there have been 17 Wars against Israel where they had to defend themselves against the Arab World.[1] see [2]Obviously the Arab world contested this agreement. Which is at the core of this conflict. 

The question of who has the most logical claim to Jerusalem from a historical perspective is a highly contentious and complex issue, given its rich and diverse history. Different groups and civilizations have occupied and laid claim to Jerusalem over millennia.

Jewish Claim: Jerusalem holds deep religious and historical significance for Jews. It is mentioned numerous times in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the capital of ancient Israel and the location of the First and Second Temples. Jewish presence in Jerusalem dates back over 3,000 years, and it is considered the spiritual center of Judaism.

Christian Claim: For Christians  (30AD), Jerusalem is of immense religious importance as the city where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other Christian sites in Jerusalem are central to Christian faith and pilgrimage.

Islamic Claim: Jerusalem is the third holiest city in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is believed to be the location from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. It holds great religious significance for Muslims worldwide. 

Born in Mecca, in western Arabia, Muhammad (570–632 AD), last in the line of Judeo-Christian prophets, received his first revelation in 610. Muslims believe that the word of God was revealed to him by the archangel Gabriel in Arabic, who said, “Recite in the name of thy Lord …” (Sura 96). These revelations were subsequently collected and codified as the Qur’an (literally “recitation” in Arabic), the Muslim holy book.

Historical Overlaps: Jerusalem has changed hands multiple times throughout history. It was conquered by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Each of these powers left its mark on the city’s history and architecture, contributing to the complexity of the claims.

Modern National Claims: In the modern era, both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. The State of Israel was established in 1948, with Jerusalem as its capital. However, the status of Jerusalem remains one of the core issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

There must be a deeper reason why some Arabs or Muslims do not accept Israel’s Sovereignty.  Why, if some deem Israel to be such a bad friend or neighbour do more than 2 million Arabs and Muslims form part of Israel’s democracy? According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the Arab-Israeli population in 2023 was 2.1 million, representing 21 percent of the country’s population.[3]

In 2014, an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) global survey revealed that anti-Jewish sentiment was most prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, where a staggering 74% of respondents held anti-Semitic views. The top 10 most anti-Semitic countries included the West Bank and Gaza with a 93% score, Iraq at 92%, Yemen at 88%, and Algeria and Libya tied at 87%; Kuwait 82%; Jordan 81%; Lebenon 78%; Egypt 75%.  These countries exhibited various degrees of anti-Semitic beliefs, with some emphasizing Jewish behavior and perceived loyalty to Israel as reasons for prejudice.[4]

These antisemitism scores are calculated by asking these questions:

1. Jews are more loyal to Israel than to [this country/to the countries they live in]
2. Jews have too much power in the business world.
3. Jews have too much power in international financial markets.
4. Jews still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust.
5. Jews don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind.
6. Jews have too much control over global affairs.
7. Jews have too much control over the United States government.
8. Jews think they are better than other people.
9. Jews have too much control over the global media.
10. Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars.

People hate Jews because of the way Jews behave.

Can you make peace with someone who wants your annihilation?

In Benjamin Netanyahu’s book “Bibi,” he argues that making peace with terrorist and anti-Semitic parties that actively seek Israel’s demise is impossible, hence his focus to make peace in the Middle East with Morocco, UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, the Abraham Accord.[5]

2 Months before Palestine’s attack on Israel, the 7 August 2023, Netanyahu indicated he would make concessions to Palestinians to achieve the Saudi deal. [6]

The various peace deals offered and rejected between Israel and Palestine are one very complex issue: Various American presidents have tried to foster a peace deal.[7]  Israel conceded much land, but Palestine wanted Jerusalem as its capital.  Israel’s main condition was to stop antisemitic rhetoric and learning in schools and culture. 

This is why Netanyahu focused on making peace for the region’s sake with all Arabs for their mutual economic benefit. In the wake of the immanent success, Hamas drew the world’s attention back to Palestine.  The world will not forget about us!

There is no conclusive evidence on a specific amount, but Palestine has received millions in AID from all over the World, as well as from Israel.[8] Why was this aid not spent on rebuilding the Country, offering something meaningful to their neighbors of economic value?

Arguments from Muslim Nations in Solidarity with Hamas:

See Israel as a Colonizing Power

The accusation of colonisation over the past 50 years is based on the expansion of Israeli settlements into Palestinian territories. While this is a valid concern, it should be noted that Israel has, at times, shown a willingness to negotiate and withdraw from certain areas.  If Israel’s colonization is wrong, why is Islamic colonization not also wrong?

The 2018 World Watch List has the following countries as its top ten: North Korea, and Eritrea, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, India and Iran, which are all predominantly non-Christian, under majority Islamic Muslim control.

See the human rights abuses in Iran: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_the_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran

This is not seen as a form of colonization, oppression of the people?  

Inhumane Conditions in Palestine:

The assertion that Palestine resembles a concentration camp is a powerful word think of the South African Concentration camps under British Rule in early 1903. Or the German concentration camps in the 2nd World War. Surely, there is no resemblance between these two, for in Palestine, there is free movement and employment offered in Israel.  Israel’s control is the threat of militant leaders like Hamas.

Disproportionate Force:

The claim that Israel is employing disproportionate force is a valid concern. The vastly superior Israeli military can inadvertently cause extensive collateral damage, emphasising the need for careful, measured responses to threats.  This is hugely important in terms of maintaining global goodwill for Israel. 

Holocaust Denial:

Accusations that Israel uses the Holocaust to justify dominance are deeply troubling and unsubstantiated. The Holocaust is an undeniable historical tragedy, and using it as a rhetorical tool only hinders productive dialogue. 

Surely, there is pain, and trauma on both sides, with both Palestinians and Israelis, having personal stories of loss and tragedy.

One should also recognize that it is not as if Israel did everything right in regard to the Palestinians; surely, there have been incidents of violence, injustice, and retaliation on both sides.

According to personal ground-contact references, most Israelis want to live in peace with Palestinians and do not want to see this war escalate any further!

Racial Hatred and Ethnic Cleansing:

Allegations of racial hatred and ethnic cleansing require a nuanced examination of Israeli policies. While some actions may be perceived as discriminatory, they do not mean Israel would want to disseminate Palestine from the Earth and kill all Palestinians. Israel’s own people come from all over the world, and it is quite a diverse, robust democracy.  Israel has emerged as a prominent advocate for peace in the Middle East. Throughout history, when different groups controlled the region, there were instances of exclusion and limitations placed on religious and ethnic communities. Under Christian rule, Muslims and Jews often faced restrictions, and likewise, when Muslims held power, Jews and Christians encountered similar limitations.

IDF Intelligence:

The claim that the IDF had prior knowledge of the attack but did nothing is a serious accusation. If proven true, it would indeed raise questions about Israel’s actions and intentions. 

Hammas claims that no civilians were attacked and massacred.

It is disturbing to see the Hamas leaders openly deny that no civilians were killed at any time during their offensive.  Hamas’ Head of Political and International Relations has told Sky News that no civilians have been killed by the militant group. Doctor Basem Naim told Sky’s Mark Austin that only Israeli “soldiers” were killed. https://youtu.be/Egipqa0ZhUk?si=DKFrFmSbqEER1an9

The Spiritual Perspective of the War? Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz

Blessing Mandate

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV):

“Through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:18 (NIV):

“I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed.” Genesis 26:4 (NIV):

Israel has made significant contributions in various fields, making it a positive blessing to the world in numerous ways:

Innovation and Technology: Israel is known as the “Start-up Nation” for its thriving tech sector. It has given the world innovations in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and medical technology, benefiting global industries and economies.

Medical Advancements: Israeli medical research and innovations have led to breakthroughs in treatments for diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Israeli medical devices and pharmaceuticals are used worldwide.

Agricultural Innovations: Israel’s expertise in desert agriculture has led to the development of advanced irrigation techniques and drought-resistant crops, helping address food scarcity and water management challenges in arid regions.

Clean Energy: Israel is a leader in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar power and water desalination. These innovations have global implications for sustainable energy and water resources.

Humanitarian Aid: Israel often provides humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters and crises worldwide. Its medical teams and rescue units have saved lives and alleviated suffering in various countries.

Cultural and Scientific Contributions: Israeli literature, music, art, and scientific research have enriched global culture and knowledge, with notable individuals and works recognized internationally.

Peace Initiatives: Despite regional conflicts, Israel has engaged in numerous peace initiatives and negotiations, demonstrating a commitment to finding peaceful solutions to long-standing conflicts.

Water Conservation: Israel’s expertise in water management and conservation techniques has been shared with other countries facing water scarcity, contributing to sustainable water use worldwide.

Education and Academia: Israeli universities are renowned for their research and academic excellence. They collaborate with institutions globally, advancing knowledge and fostering international cooperation.

Counterterrorism and Security: Israel’s security expertise has been crucial in helping other nations combat terrorism and protect their citizens, contributing to global security efforts.

Space and Satellite Technology: Israel’s space agency and satellite technology have applications in communication, Earth observation, and scientific research, benefiting various industries.

Cultural Exchange: Israel promotes cultural exchange and diplomacy through its international cultural events, fostering greater understanding and dialogue among nations.

These are just a few examples of how Israel has positively influenced the world in various domains, despite the geopolitical challenges it faces in the Middle East. Israel’s contributions extend far beyond its borders, making it a source of innovation, cooperation, and progress on a global scale.

Difference between Judaism, Isreali, and Zionists. 

Judaism:

Religion: Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, encompassing a set of religious beliefs, practices, and traditions. It is followed by Jewish people around the world.

Faith: Jewish faith is centered on the belief in one God and adherence to the teachings and commandments found in the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).

Synagogues: Jews typically gather for worship in synagogues, celebrate religious holidays, observe rituals, and follow a range of religious laws and traditions.

Israeli:

Nationality: “Israeli” refers to the nationality or citizenship of individuals who are citizens of the modern State of Israel. Israel is a country in the Middle East.

Diverse Population: Israel is a diverse nation with citizens of various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including Jews, Arabs, Druze, and others.

Secular and Religious: Israelis can be secular or religious, and they may practice various religions or none at all. The term “Israeli” primarily denotes citizenship or residence in Israel.

Zionism:

Political Ideology: Zionism is a political and ideological movement that emerged in the late 19th century with the aim of establishing a Jewish homeland in the historic region of Israel, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

Support for Israel: Zionists advocate for the establishment, support, and defense of the State of Israel as a Jewish homeland.

Diverse Perspectives: Within Zionism, there are various schools of thought and perspectives, ranging from religious Zionism (which sees Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy) to secular Zionism (which emphasizes the national and political aspects of the movement).

70 nations

According to the Jewish understanding of anthropology, all nations are descendants of Sem, Gam and Japhet, which eventually turned into 70 mayor nations, each with its own redemptive purpose.

A verse that is sometimes associated with the concept of the “70 nations” reads, “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.” Deuteronomy 32:8

According to Jewish Rabbi’s these nations must all be turned from their evil deeds and find God to be the source of all righteousness.  It is furthermore understood that 35 of these nations are caught by the spirit of Essau, the other 35 are captured by the spirit of Ishmael.  They all need to be liberated to do justly and acknowledge Jahwe as the only true God. 

3 Metaphors for LIFE

Isaac, Esau, and Ishmael can indeed be seen as distinct metaphors, each representing certain aspects of human behavior, belief systems, and spiritual attitudes:

Esau – Hedonistic Secular Materialism:

Esau is often portrayed as a symbol of hedonistic secular materialism. He represents a worldview that focuses on the here and now, emphasising the pursuit of physical pleasure and material gain. Esau’s famous exchange of his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew in the Bible illustrates how he only saw the world through the lens of here-and-now self-determinism, with no awareness of the spiritual, transcendent aspects of life.

Esau reflects a perspective that places primary importance on the material world, denies the existence of an afterlife, and rejects spiritual responsibility. It’s a worldview that prioritizes the temporal and earthly over the spiritual and eternal.

Ishmael – Counter-Religion and Self-Reliance:

Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, can be seen as representing a counter-religious perspective. In some interpretations, he is associated with religious movements or beliefs that deviate from mainstream traditions. Like the Samaritans, who had their own temple and scriptures separate from the Jewish tradition, Ishmael’s descendants practise similar but different alternative religious methodology. 

This metaphor symbolises the idea of seeking spiritual fulfilment through human means and self-reliance.  Spirituality without God. 

Isaac – Balanced Faith and Surrender to God:

Isaac, the son of promise to Abraham and Sarah, represents a balanced and faithful approach to life. He is often associated with right living, humility, and reliance on God’s promises. Isaac’s willingness to submit to God’s will, even in challenging circumstances, exemplifies surrender and trust.  This metaphor emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith while recognizing human limitations. It encourages a balance between hard work, responsibility, and dependence on a higher power. Isaac’s story highlights the idea of surrendering control to God’s sovereignty and acknowledging divine guidance.

Gog & Magog

The identity of “Gog of Magog” is a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars and theologians. Some view it as a symbolic representation of hostile nations that will unite against Israel in the future, rather than a specific individual.  “Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets…” Ezekiel 38:5 (NIV)

In this verse, Persia is one of the nations that is mentioned as being part of the coalition that comes against Israel in the prophesied event. It is worth noting that in the historical context of the biblical writings, “Persia” referred to the ancient Persian Empire, which included the territory of modern-day Iran.

Gog is pictured as a great enemy against God’s people. He is from the land of Magog or possibly “from the land of Gog.” The name appears in apocalyptic literature which often is highly symbolic and cryptic in meaning. The Lord, at any rate, sets Himself against Gog (38:2). Gog will lead a coalition of nations against God’s people who are then dwelling securely in the land of Israel (Ezek. 38:14-16). But God, in fact, will bring Gog forth and will destroy him and his people. The Lord shows Himself holy in His actions against Gog (Ezek. 38:16; 39:1-8). The Lord spoke about this through other prophets (Ezek. 38:17-18). The multitudes of Gog will be buried in the Valley of Hamon Gog, that is, “multitudes of Gog” (Ezek. 39:15), while God’s people will be liberated from the fear and threat of Gog (39:16-29).

End-time Messiah

This is our prayer that peaceful, righteous Muslims will see the folly of the belief in Islam by abhorring the militants in their midst.

Seed and Birth pangs perspective

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Israel, we can draw a poignant conclusion from the analogy of childbirth. Just as the birthing process involves great struggle, pain, and almost a feeling of death, so too does the path to lasting peace often entail immense challenges and sacrifices. Yet, once a new era of peace and understanding is achieved, the memory of those struggles can fade in the face of the harmonious future that lies ahead. This analogy reminds us that the road to reconciliation and lasting peace can be arduous, but the ultimate goal of coexistence and stability is worth pursuing relentlessly. It encourages us to persevere through the difficulties of the present with the hope of a brighter and more peaceful future for all involved.

Your inner reality determines how you handle outward experience

Mirrors are crafted by coating a piece of glass with a thin layer of reflective material, typically aluminum or silver. This reflective layer captures and reflects back the image of whatever is placed in front of it. However, the key is that the reflective layer remains unchanged by the images it reflects. It doesn’t absorb or alter them; it simply mirrors them back as they are.

In a similar way, our inner reality, our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, can be compared to the reflective layer of a mirror. These inner aspects of our being remain relatively stable and unaltered by external experiences unless those experiences resonate with our inner reality. Just as a mirror reflects what is before it without being changed by it, our inner state can remain unaffected by external circumstances unless there is alignment or resonance between the two.

The example of Jesus not giving in to the storm illustrates this concept beautifully. His inner reality was one of profound peace and faith. When faced with the external turmoil of a raging storm, his inner state remained unwavering. His peace was mirrored in his actions, as he calmly commanded the storm to be still, and it obeyed.

Conversely, when inner turmoil, like anger or hatred, is harboured, it acts as a distortion in the reflective layer of our inner mirror. In this case, external experiences that resonate with this inner turmoil can trigger outward expressions of that negativity. Just as a distorted mirror produces a distorted reflection, our inner turmoil can lead to actions and reactions that are driven by anger or hatred when circumstances align with those inner emotions.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_Israel

[2] https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_wars_and_battles_involving_the_Islamic_State

[3] www.cbs.gov.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 24 September 2023.

[4] https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-10-most-anti-semitic-countries/

[5] https://www.state.gov/the-abraham-accords/

[6] https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-indicates-he-would-make-concessions-to-palestinians-to-achieve-saudi-deal/

[7] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/history-and-overview-of-israel-palestinian-negotiations

[8] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/05/08/have-palestinians-received-more-aid-than-any-group-history/