For over 76 years, Israel and Palestine have been at war over territory in the Middle East. Last October, the Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, including 46 American citizens and kidnapping over 250 hostages. Israel responded with an attack on Gaza. As of 2024, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed.
The conflict has divided citizens from across the world, many people saying that Israel had gone too far, while others say Israel is doing nothing wrong. Students also have mixed opinions on the conflict between the two countries
Riley Gotsch (11) believes that Israel is in the wrong when asked about her opinion on the conflict.
“For years Israel has oppressed Palestine and Gaza. I do not think that they should be getting any support,” Gotsch said.
Ameer Faroogui (9) also believes that Israel is in the wrong.
“Free Palestine,” Faroogui said.
Kay Cooper (9) believes that the war is messed up on Israel’s side.
“Israel is coming in and killing Palestinian citizens with no remorse. I’m very anti war, but I’m mainly siding with Palestine,” Cooper said.
While some students are sided with Palestine, other students when asked have sided with Israel. Garrett Matlock (11) sided with Israel when asked about his opinion on the conflict.
“I’m kind of on Israel’s side cause I believe Hamas is really bad and they aren’t good people. Hamas is the issue, they are a terrorist organization,” Matlock said.
He believes that civilians should not be targeted however, and that those not involved with the war shouldn’t be killed.
Christian Cosey (9) believes that Israel is doing nothing wrong.
“I think that Israel is doing what they are supposed to do, Palestine attacked them first. I also think that the pro palestine protesters that are causing destruction and harassing people should be put in jail,” Cosey said.
A few students do not have a side on the war, and believe that we should all just be at peace with each other. Carter Millburg (9) thinks that war is bad, and that all wars and destruction should end.
“There needs to be peace in the world, we all need to all be at peace with each other,” Millburg said.
Sanie Wheeler (9) also believes that the war should stop and does not have a side.
“I don’t really get into politics unless it’s about the election, but people are losing their lives everyday in both countries, and most of those dying are civilians. It needs to stop,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler believes that World War III could happen.
“Since we’ve helped and supported both sides, I think that we could get involved with a war soon. It’s scary to think about,” said Wheeler.
Ian Blecher (9) also thinks that World War III could happen anytime soon.
“If either of the countries bomb each other, there’s a good chance a third world war could happen,” Blecher said. “Palestine had launched drones, and the whole world tried and succeeded at stopping them. Now that Israel has nuke capabilities, it’s up to the Israeli leaders to decide if they want to nuke Palestine. If they do, it’ll definitely start World War III.”
The war between Israel and Palestine does not appear to be stopping anytime soon. On the first day of October this year, Iran had launched more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, killing one Palestinian. The thought of Palestinian and Israeli civilians being killed, and a possibility of a third world war is definitely something to disturb and terrify people across the world.
