Mourning for Palestinians and Israelis—and the Possibility of Peace Ended

“After witnessing the events of the past few days, I admit that part of me is relieved that [my father] died before he had to watch Hamas take away his lifelong dream, slaughtering both it and Israeli civilians on video for the entire world to see.”

My father, who was born and raised in Gaza, lived his entire life hoping that there might be a peaceful two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He spent his final years making YouTube videos on the topic and telling anyone who would listen about his family’s olive groves in Gaza. After witnessing the events of the past few days, I admit that part of me is relieved that he died before he had to watch Hamas take away his lifelong dream, slaughtering both it and Israeli civilians on video for the entire world to see. Hamas has ensured that there will be no more Palestine and no further hope for an independent state for the Palestinian people.

Over the past few days, people have sent me what I consider flippant messages asking me something to the effect of, “Are you pro-Israel or pro-Palestine,” as if we are all watching a football match. Are you wearing a blue jersey or a red jersey? I wear neither. I am in black, mourning for the Palestine that could have been. With a gorgeous waterfront overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that was recently made safe for swimming, with fertile soil that sustained ancient olive groves, the land possesses the resources for success. Gaza also had the funding. Generous governments, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals had been flooding the area with tens of billions of dollars for decades. However, instead of focusing on developing a potential tourism industry, investing in innovative infrastructure, or helping the Gazan people thrive on their land, tragically, Hamas chose terrorism.

The world knows Hamas now as terrorists, who have committed the most depraved atrocities, acts on par with or perhaps even exceeding those of the Islamic State. However, the people of Gaza already knew Hamas and its leaders. They have been suffering in relative silence under these monsters for years. Hamas has killed and harmed Palestinians critical of the party, as well as individuals accused of collaborating with Israel. This ensured that others with similar ideas would choose to remain silent and refrain from criticizing Hamas. Even those who hated Hamas chanted their allegiance loudly, out of fear for their lives and those of their families.