As one of the most violent episodes of the conflict between Palestine and Israel unfolds, the world watches with bated breath — death tolls rise, as do the voices of politicians and military leaders in sharp warnings and threats. On Saturday, 7 October, the Gaza-based militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, thwarting its highly advanced security system, entering into multiple Israeli towns, killing hundreds — among them civilians — and taking scores captive. In retaliation, the Israeli military unleashed a massive military operation and a continuous flood of airstrikes on Gaza that have also killed hundreds of civilians — some targeting residential buildings — and ordered a complete siege of the strip, cutting off food, fuel, and electricity. As of today, an imminent ground invasion is probable. Given the unprecedented force of Hamas’ offensive and the resulting death toll, a single glance at this episode of a conflict that has lasted many decades, may suggest to a first-time follower that we are witnessing an unprompted attack by one well-matched adversary upon another. This impression has been all but confirmed by the global response to the events. Western…
Do Some Lives Matter More Than Others? A Skewed Response to the Palestinian Plight
October 12, 2023
