If only people could live together peacefully.
It is reported on the BBC website that many thousands of homes for settlers have been approved in the occupied West Bank by the state of Israel. Surely this just stokes the fire.
Whilst what happened by HAMAS in Israel on October 7th was evil, surely the response by the state of Israel is over the top?
What happened in Israel on October 7th was horrific. Whilst the revenge sought by Israel is understandable, one has to see the wider picture.
Just bombing the Gaza strip and denying many innocents the basic essentials of life just stokes yet more hatred. What is needed is justice on all sides. Arabs have to accept Israel's right to exist and Israel has to respect its Arab neighbours. This includes the Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.
Hatred, where ever it comes from has no place in the world today. Everyone, of whatever race, colour or creed has the right to live in peace. We all have a duty to respect our differences .... peacefully.
The outcome of the current war is unclear. Israel as a nation has clearly been deeply traumatised by the events of October 7th and wants this never to be repeated. I think most nations would feel the same.
At the same time, children, babies and civilians are being maimed or killed every day. No sane person would think this acceptable "collateral damage".
In my view, the only long term outcome is a mutual acceptance that everyone has right to worship whomsoever they choose and a right to live in peace and harmony with neighbouring states. The present dispute has roots that go back a long way.
Like many, I have been appalled by recent events in the Middle East. Things carried out by both sides have been dreadful. One side is (understandably) out to reap revenge, but I fear far more innocent women, men and children will be killed or maimed for life across the whole Middle East.
It is likely that this bad feeling will continue well after I am pushing up daisies. Why, oh why, can't people respect others?!! They may be different, but we are still just human beings sharing one small planet.
It is not at all clear to me what the end game is.
