With an issue as polarizing as Israel and Palestine, it’s only natural for some people to jump to a side without divesting any research into the matter. Oftentimes we find ourselves viewing critical events and jumping to the side of the defender. This case remains no different with Hamas’ attack on Israel and the proceeding bombardments, as the actions of both sides continue to be scrutinized by humanitarian organizations across the world. 

It has been more than a week since Hamas’ surprise attack shocked the world and the subsequent Israeli response in the following days. People have propelled themselves into taking sides and defending their position against anyone who is on an opposing side, despite Hamas not having official representation for the Palestinians. While we can condemn Hamas for its violent acts against the Israeli people, we must also not look away from what Israel has also done. 

Civilians in both Gaza and Israel have been killed and the conflict has erupted protests in countries across the Middle East, as well as in America. Yet while many opt to pick a side, they aren’t armed with the same knowledge as those who live through it every day, as well as scholars. Doing so can be catastrophic for both the person and the message they’re trying to convey. 

This conflict isn’t new, having been ongoing since the foundation of Israel after World War II. Since then, both Israel and Palestine have had many disputes and conflicts throughout the years. But with this recent conflict and Hamas operating out of Gaza, home to a staggering population of around two million Palestinians, the issue of Israel and Palestine has been launched back into national headlines. 

In contrast, Israel is home to over nine million people and occupies more area than the Gaza Strip. Yet both sides have suffered losses, as Gaza has seen around 3,400 people die and 12,000 more have been injured since the start of the conflict. Israel has also seen many deaths, with around 1,400 being killed and 3,400 more injured. 

While it is alright to have feelings of sympathy towards citizens on both sides of the skirmish, it is also important to note how extreme the act of picking sides is. Doing so, especially while uneducated about the circumstances behind the issue, can open up avenues to heated debates among the masses. 

In times such as this, it is important to avoid drawing a line in the sand and listen to the voices from beneath the rubble on both sides. Sympathize with those who have been killed, injured, kidnapped and displaced, but avoid jumping the gun.