No matter how often that charge is made, it will never be true. But it is a tragedy. No matter how much energy each side expends on justifying its actions and no matter if one side really is more justified than the other, it remains a tragedy. Instead of scoring PR points on each other, I wonder if all sides could start by admitting that. Could we begin by admitting that what’s going on is terrible for people on both sides of the Israel-Gaza border?
I wrote earlier about why people make such inflated claims as this ground war being a new Holocaust, how such claims actually retard the search for lasting peace, and I will do so again later. But instead of adding one more voice to a conversation in which almost nobody is listening to anybody telling them anything other than what they already believe, I opt to ask questions.

Albert Einstein said that no problem can be solved at the level of consciousness which created it. He was right then and remains especially correct about this conflict. Of course, each side can tell a compelling story and find its supporters–increased missiles, new ground forces, etc.
Each side can rehash a specific narrative which keeps it mired in the same old processes. And we can keep on killing each other–the bombs and bullets don’t really care which side is morally superior. Or, with the safety of thousands of miles, we can begin a new conversation based on new questions which might lead to a new and safer reality for all.
And after nine days of trading bombs and justifications, what has been accomplished? Where is the calculus between 10,000 missiles falling on civilians in Israel, driving an entire population into shelters and claiming many lives, and bombing, artillery and ground forces, which, no matter how surgical, have claimed the lives of over 150 civilians according to UN sources? Does either make sense? Will these actions achieve the stated goals of either side?

Israel’s stated goal, one which makes perfect sense to most people, is to lessen (forget about ending) the steady rain of rockets on Israeli civilians. But since the number and type of weapons flying out of Gaza has only increased in recent days (though numbers are down from pre-war highs), one wonders if this is the best way to achieve that goal.

Hamas’ stated objective is the destruction of the State of Israel, a goal no longer shared even by most in the Arab world, witness the response of most Arab heads of state. They blame Israel for the proportionality of its response but admit that Hamas ended the cease fire and provoked this war with their endless missiles. And do they really think that Israel is going to allow itself to be destroyed in any case? It’s not going to happen.
But having just managed to upset people on both sides of this conflict, I ask you, what do you suggest Israel and Hamas do? What would you do if you suddenly found yourself leading either government? What are your long-term aspirations? What would you offer in order to achieve them? What would you demand?
Please spare us the justifications for the side which you happen to support, why you are the innocent victim, etc. Even if you are right, there is little evidence that those you most wish to hear you can possibly do so right now. And there is no scenario in which only one side has to make all the changes, so forget about that as well. None of that will bring peace. So I ask, what will?