Because of the Hamas terrorist attacks of Oct 7, 2023, the 80-year conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated into open warfare in the streets of Gaza. The historical animosity between Jews and Arabs extends 100s if not thousands of years beyond the modern timeline. It is a nuanced and complex situation that has vexed the United States, Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world for multiple administrations under the leadership of both American political parties. 

Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas and I support the right of all nations to respond when faced with direct assault. But Israel must openly recognize that the Palestinian people are not Hamas and Israel must take every action necessary to mitigate the damages caused to civilian infrastructure. Furthermore, US aid to Israel should be made contingent on Israel’s willingness to allow for international aid and food supplies to be provided to the Palestinian people. 

If Israel truly wishes to respect the tenets of democracy and western civilization, then there must be a plan for a cease-fire, a two-state solution, an autonomous Palestine, and an acknowledgement that both the Israeli and Palestinian people have the right to exist as free and independent nations.