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Who Is to Blame for What's Happening in Gaza?

(JNS) Nesya Rubinstein-Shemer - While the families of Israeli hostages wait in anguish for the return of their loved ones being tortured in Hamas's tunnels and as a humanitarian tragedy unfolds in Gaza, it is vital to look reality in the eye and ask honestly: Who is responsible for what is happening? This conflict was not sought by Israel. On the contrary, just as regional initiatives of reconciliation were beginning to take shape, including serious prospects for the rehabilitation of Gaza, Hamas chose to destroy everything in an act of mass murder, rape, and abduction; it was genocide, driven by religious hatred and fanatical ideology. For Hamas, the suffering in Gaza is not viewed as a tragedy but as a tool. In their worldview, total sacrifice is required and civilians are not human beings but disposable pawns on a bloody chessboard. Arab media outlets, especially Al Jazeera, are also complicit. They bombard viewers with tragic and emotional images, designed to overwhelm reason. But alongside our human empathy for suffering, we must speak the truth: Israel is not to blame for this disaster. Israel is making enormous efforts to send humanitarian aid to those in need. When international aid organizations try to ensure fair distribution, Hamas threatens, beats and even murders them. Hamas's continued control of Gaza is not just a tragedy for Gazans; it is a direct and existential threat to Israeli citizens. That is why this war must continue until Hamas no longer rules Gaza. If you truly care about the people of Gaza, do not point your finger at Israel. Point it at Hamas. Until they are disarmed and dismantled, there will be no relief. The writer is an expert on Islam at the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at Bar-Ilan University.
2025-08-03 00:00:00
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