Israel Gaza conflict-History & present situation.

In the Israel-Gaza Conflict: Unraveling the Story

Imagine a day in 0710.2023 when the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, made an unprecedented move by launching a major attack on Israel. Hundreds of gunmen infiltrated communities near the Gaza Strip, setting the stage for a tumultuous period.

Gaza is a narrow strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It's bordered by Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest. The Gaza Strip is densely populated and impoverished, in part due to the ongoing political situation of the region. The Gaza Strip is named after its densely-populated capital Gaza City. The Canaanites likely gave Gaza its name, which means “strength” in ancient Semitic languages. The Egyptians called it “Gazzat” (prized city). The Gaza Strip is 365 km² (141 sq mi) in total area. It's inhabited by around 2.3 million Palestinians, most of them refugees. The Gaza Strip has passed from British to Egyptian to Israeli military rule. Israel captured Gaza in June 1967 and withdrew unilaterally in August 2005. Hamas, the militant Islamic group that governs Gaza, said in a statement that it welcomes "Russia's tireless efforts" aimed at stopping Israel's aggression against the territory.

 

  

Understanding Hamas: Who Are They? Introduction Hamas is a well-known political and military organization that governs the Gaza Strip. In this answer, we'll delve into the essential information about who Hamas is, its history, goals, and funding sources, all explained in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner.   The Basics Hamas, officially known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, was founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising against Israel. Their primary objective is to establish an independent Islamic state in historical Palestine.   Their Role Hamas is one of the two major political parties in the Palestinian territories, and it currently governs over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. However, Hamas is perhaps most famous for its armed resistance against Israel.   International Designation It's crucial to note that several countries, including Israel, the United States, and the European Union, have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. This designation has significant implications for the group's activities.   The Origins Hamas was established by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a man who was paralyzed and used a wheelchair. He spent years in Israeli prisons and played a key role in creating Hamas' military wing. The military wing carried out its first suicide attack in 1993. Unfortunately, Yassin was killed by Israeli forces in 2004.   Strength and Weaponry Israel estimates that Hamas boasts around 30,000 troops armed with a variety of weapons, including automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-tank missiles.   Funding Sources Hamas secures its funding from diverse sources:   Iran: According to a 2021 US State Department report, Iran provides up to $100 million annually to Hamas. Iran also supports other Palestinian terrorist groups. Palestinian Expatriates: Historically, Palestinian expatriates and private donors in the Persian Gulf have contributed significantly to Hamas' finances. Islamic Charities: Some Islamic charities in the West have channeled funds to Hamas via Hamas-backed social service groups. Qatar: Qatar has openly financed Hamas for several years. In 2012, the previous Emir pledged a substantial $400 million to Hamas. Funding Methods Hamas employs a global financing network to channel support from charities and friendly nations. They often transfer funds through Gaza tunnels or use cryptocurrencies to evade international sanctions.   Hamas is a significant player in the Palestinian territories, with a complex history and a controversial standing on the international stage. Understanding their goals and funding sources is crucial to grasp their role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

How it all started A group of ten armed individuals from Gaza managed to locate an Israeli intelligence center and infiltrate it with remarkable precision. Here's what happened:   These gunmen entered Israel on motorcycles, with two on each bike. Along the way, they started shooting at passing civilian cars as they moved ahead. After covering about ten miles, they veered off the road and entered a wooded area. They dismounted near an unmanned gate leading to a military base. Using a small explosive charge, they blew open the gate and entered the base. Strangely, they paused to take a group selfie and then shot and killed an unarmed Israeli soldier who was in a T-shirt.   For a moment, it seemed like the attackers weren't sure where to go next. But one of them pulled out a colour-coded map of the complex, which helped them find an unlocked door to a heavily fortified building. Inside, they discovered a room filled with computers, which turned out to be the military intelligence hub. Under a bed in that room, they found two soldiers who were seeking shelter, and they also killed them.   This entire sequence of events was recorded by a camera mounted on the head of one of the gunmen who was later killed. The New York Times reviewed this footage and confirmed the events by interviewing Israeli officials and checking Israeli military videos of the attack.   This incident reveals the incredible planning and knowledge of Israel's vulnerabilities that Hamas, the group controlling the Gaza Strip, demonstrated in their shocking attack on Israel. They managed to surprise and outmanoeuvre the powerful Israeli military, crossing the border, taking hostages, and causing a significant loss of life. This marked the deadliest day in Israel's 75-year history.   Hamas used meticulous planning and exploited Israel's vulnerabilities, such as destroying surveillance and communication towers along the border, creating blind spots for the Israeli military. They also used explosives and tractors to breach border barricades, allowing hundreds of attackers to flood into Israel. They targeted military bases and launched terrorist attacks in various cities and villages.   Hamas had a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of Israeli military operations, including the locations of specific units and the time it would take for reinforcements to arrive. The Israeli military plans to investigate how this breach occurred once the war is over, as these revelations have deeply unsettled officials and analysts who are questioning how Israel, known for its intelligence capabilities, could have inadvertently exposed so much information about its operations.   The result of this attack was a series of terrible acts and massacres, which Israel's President Isaac Herzog described as the worst mass killing of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust. This event shattered Israel's sense of invincibility and led to a fierce Israeli counterattack in Gaza, causing a high number of Palestinian casualties. It also challenged the assumption that Hamas, often considered a terrorist group, had shifted its focus from launching major assaults on Israel to governing Gaza. In reality, Hamas had been secretly preparing for this significant attack.

 

The impact on Israel has been heartbreaking. We've lost over 1,300 of our fellow citizens, including not only brave soldiers but also innocent civilians, women, and children. Tragically, many are being held hostage in Gaza.

 

On the other side, the Palestinian people have suffered immensely as well. Israel's military has responded with numerous airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the loss of over 1,300 Palestinian lives. To compound the crisis, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on the region, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and other essential supplies.

 

Adding to the tension, Israel is now amassing its forces along the Gaza border, raising concerns about a ground operation that could lead to even more tragic losses. Palestinians are living with the fear of what the future holds.

 

This ongoing conflict is a deeply complex and heart-wrenching situation, affecting the lives of countless individuals. We all hope for a peaceful resolution, one that can end the suffering and bring lasting peace to the region.

Let's journey back to a time before 1948 and explore the significance of the Balfour Declaration. After the end of World War One, the British Empire took control of the region known as Palestine, following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East.

 

At that time, Palestine was home to a diverse population, with a Jewish minority, an Arab majority, and various smaller ethnic groups. Tensions began to rise when the international community entrusted the United Kingdom with the task of establishing a "national home" in Palestine for Jewish people. This responsibility originated from the Balfour Declaration of 1917, a promise made by then Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to the British Jewish community.

 

The Balfour Declaration was incorporated into the British mandate over Palestine and received endorsement from the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, in 1922. The declaration was rooted in the belief that Palestine was the ancestral home of the Jewish people, but Palestinian Arabs also laid claim to the land and resisted this move.

 

Between the 1920s and 1940s, the number of Jewish immigrants arriving in Palestine grew significantly, with many escaping persecution in Europe, particularly during the Nazi Holocaust in World War Two. As more Jewish immigrants arrived, tensions escalated between Jewish and Arab communities, and there was increasing opposition to British rule.

 

In 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem designated as an international city. While Jewish leaders accepted this plan, it faced rejection from the Arab side and was never fully implemented."

How and why did Israel come into existence? In 1948, as Britain struggled to find a solution, it eventually withdrew from the region. In response, Jewish leaders proclaimed the birth of the State of Israel.

 

Israel was envisioned as a place of refuge for Jews escaping persecution and a national homeland for the Jewish people. However, tensions had been escalating for months with clashes between Jewish and Arab militias. The day after Israel declared itself a state, five Arab nations launched an attack.

 

This conflict led to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians either fleeing or being forcibly displaced from their homes, a period they refer to as Al Nakba, meaning the "Catastrophe." The fighting finally concluded in a ceasefire the following year, leaving Israel in control of most of the territory.

Jordan took control of the land that later became known as the West Bank, while Egypt occupied Gaza. The city of Jerusalem was divided, with Israeli forces in the western part and Jordanian forces in the eastern part.

 

Since a formal peace agreement was never reached, the region witnessed a series of wars and ongoing conflicts over the following decades. In the 1967 war, Israel gained control of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the majority of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza, and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula.

 

Many Palestinian refugees, along with their descendants, now reside in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Sadly, Israel has not allowed them or their descendants to return to their original homes, arguing that such a move would strain the country and threaten its identity as a Jewish state.

 

Currently, Israel continues to occupy the West Bank and claims the entirety of Jerusalem as its capital. In contrast, the Palestinians aspire to designate East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Notably, the United States is among the few countries that officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital."

Over the last half-century, Israel has established communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where over 700,000 Jewish residents now call home. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, a stance supported by entities like the UN Security Council and the UK government. It's important to note that Israel does not accept this viewpoint

What exactly is the Gaza Strip?

Gaza is a slender piece of land situated between Israel and the Mediterranean Sea, with a shorter southern boundary adjoining Egypt. It measures just 41 kilometres (25 miles) in length and 10 kilometres in width, yet it's home to over two million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas on our planet.

 

Following the 1948-49 conflict, Gaza was under Egyptian control for 19 years. Subsequently, during the 1967 war, Israel took hold of Gaza and remained there until 2005, a period in which Jewish settlements were established.

 

In 2005, Israel withdrew its military presence and settlers, although it retained authority over Gaza's airspace, shared border, and coastline. It's important to note that the United Nations still regards this region as being under Israeli occupation.

What are the primary challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

 Well, there are several critical matters where both parties find it difficult to reach a consensus. These include:

 

The fate of Palestinian refugees

The future of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank

The sharing of Jerusalem between the two sides

And, one of the most complex issues of all, whether to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel."

What have we seen in terms of efforts to find solutions to these issues?

Well, over the years, Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations have had their ups and downs, often interrupted by outbreaks of violence.

 

Back in the early days, there was genuine hope for a negotiated peace. A set of secret discussions in Norway led to the Oslo peace process, a symbol of progress forever etched in our memories by a ceremony on the White House lawn in 1993, hosted by President Bill Clinton.

 

In a groundbreaking moment, the Palestinians recognized the State of Israel, and Israel, in turn, acknowledged the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), their historic adversary, as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. This paved the way for the establishment of a self-governing Palestinian Authority.

 

However, challenges quickly emerged. Then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the Oslo Accord as a grave threat to Israel. Israel accelerated its efforts to establish Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Simultaneously, the emerging Palestinian militant group, Hamas, sent suicide bombers to target people in Israel, further hindering the prospects of a peace deal.

 

Tensions rose in Israel, leading to the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist on November 4, 1995.

 

Why is there ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza?

Gaza is under the control of Hamas, an Islamist militant group committed to the destruction of Israel. It's worth noting that the UK and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

 

Hamas emerged victorious in the Palestinians' last elections in 2006, and the following year, they seized control of Gaza, pushing out the rival Fatah movement led by West Bank-based President Mahmoud Abbas.

 

Since then, Gaza has witnessed multiple clashes with Israel. Both Israel and Egypt have maintained a partial blockade on the region with the aim of isolating Hamas and preventing attacks, particularly the indiscriminate firing of rockets towards Israeli cities.

 

Palestinians in Gaza argue that Israel's restrictions and airstrikes in densely populated areas amount to collective punishment.

 

This year has sadly seen the highest number of Palestinian casualties in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Palestinians there are also critical of the restrictions and military actions as responses to deadly attacks on Israelis.

 

These underlying tensions could have contributed to Hamas's recent offensive. However, it's possible that the militants were also aiming to gain support from ordinary Palestinians, possibly by using hostages as leverage to pressure Israel into releasing some of the approximately 4,500 Palestinians held in its prisons."

 

In the 2000s, there were attempts to revive the peace process, such as the 2003 roadmap devised by world powers with the ultimate aim of achieving a two-state solution. However, this plan was never put into action.

 

Peace efforts hit a significant roadblock in 2014 when negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in Washington failed to yield an agreement.

 

The most recent peace plan, presented by the United States during Donald Trump's presidency and dubbed "the deal of the century" by Prime Minister Netanyahu, was dismissed by the Palestinians as one-sided and never gained traction."

Which nations are supporting Israel in the current conflict, and who is not?

 

Israel has garnered strong support from the United States, the European Union, and various Western countries, all of which have unequivocally condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has provided substantial military and economic assistance exceeding $260 billion over the years, with promises of additional equipment and ammunition. Moreover, the U.S. announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier, ships, and jets to the eastern Mediterranean.

 

On the other hand, Russia and China have chosen not to condemn Hamas. They maintain communication with both sides involved in the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed that U.S. policies have contributed to the ongoing lack of peace in the Middle East.

 

Iran, a significant regional player, is a staunch supporter of Hamas and another regional adversary of Israel, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement. Concerns have arisen regarding Iran's role in the recent attacks, as there have been reports suggesting they may have provided approval for the offensive in the days leading up to it.

Why are Israel and Gaza in conflict now?

 

Israel's military has issued a warning that Hamas militants from Gaza have launched an attack inside Israel. They infiltrated southern communities, leading to a reported 300 casualties.

 

In response to these attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the nation is entering into a prolonged and challenging conflict.

 

In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of gunmen entered southern Israel, targeting both soldiers and civilians. They also took a significant number of hostages back into Gaza, according to the Israeli army. Israel has responded with air strikes, which continued into Sunday morning, focusing on what the Israeli Air Force described as 'operational infrastructure' in Gaza.

 

In addition, the Israeli military conducted artillery strikes in southern Lebanon after mortars were fired from that area toward Israeli positions in the disputed Mount Dov/Shebaa Farms region. The militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was done in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance.

 

Since the incursion of Palestinian militants into Israel from Gaza on Saturday morning, more than 300 people have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes, as reported by Palestinian health officials.

 

As the situation escalated, Gazans received text messages from Israeli authorities advising them to leave their homes and seek shelter in city centres or designated refuges.

 

The Israeli prime minister has conveyed that this war was "forced on us by a murderous attack by Hamas." He believes that the first stage will end once most of the militants on Israeli territory have been neutralized, after which Israel will work to restore security for its citizens.

 

Israel has also announced that it will cut off the supply of electricity, fuel, and goods to Gaza.

 

This distressing situation began on the Jewish Sabbath and the festival of Simchat Torah when Palestinian gunmen infiltrated Israel from Gaza using various methods. This included cutting through the Gaza perimeter fence and using motorbikes, paragliders, and sea routes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson revealed that these militants numbered in the high hundreds, while over 3,000 rockets were launched across Israel during the day.

 

The attackers struck multiple Israeli communities and IDF bases, going door-to-door, and committing violence against Israeli civilians, including women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Distressing videos surfaced showing Israeli civilians fleeing for their safety during a desert festival and women being forcefully taken away in vehicles.

 

Israelis called into news channels, expressing fear for their lives and hiding in their homes. The town of Netiv HaAsara reported that 15 residents were shot dead by Hamas militants. In the town of Sderot, residents described a scene of chaos and tragedy.

 

Gradually, the Israeli military began regaining control over most of the southern communities. Hostages held at Kibbutz Be'eri were eventually freed after 18 hours, as reported by Israeli media. Subsequently, additional reports indicated that troops had rescued hostages in the town of Ofakim, and the attackers had been eliminated.

 

In response to these events, U.S. President Joe Biden voiced America's unwavering support for Israel, characterizing the conflict as an attack orchestrated by a terrorist organization.

 

Hamas's military wing has stated that the number of Israelis captured is much higher than dozens and includes senior military officers.

 

By the end of Saturday, more than 1,500 people had been wounded in Gaza, with another 1,500 casualties reported in Israel. The Israeli army has warned that the unprecedented level of violence from Hamas will be met with an unprecedented response.

 

Tens of thousands of reservists have been mobilized and are now expected to launch a ground operation in Gaza.

 

On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes destroyed the 11-story Palestine Tower in downtown Gaza City, which housed Hamas radio stations on the rooftop. The Israeli Air Force stated that it targeted 'military infrastructure in two multi-storey buildings used by senior Hamas terrorist operatives for carrying out terrorist activity' and had warned occupants to evacuate before the attack.

 

Violence also erupted in several locations in the West Bank on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of six Palestinians during confrontations with Israeli forces.

 

Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif called on Palestinians everywhere to join the group's operation, stating that they intended to put an end to Israeli offences. He declared that the time for unchecked havoc was over.

 

Ismail Haniyeh, the leader-in-exile of Hamas, claimed that Palestinian factions aimed to expand the violence to the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.

 

Meanwhile, Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas spokesman, told the BBC that the group received direct support for the attack from Iran.

 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a political rival of Hamas, affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops."

 

The international community has strongly condemned the Hamas attacks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his dismay over reports of attacks on civilians in their homes. The UK's Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, unequivocally condemned the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.

 

In contrast, Saudi Arabia has called for an immediate halt to the escalation, warning of the dangers arising from the continued occupation and the deprivation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people."

Latest Updates (14.10.2023)
 Here is the latest on the war.

The most recent updates on the conflict are deeply concerning. Scared Palestinians in northern Gaza are hurriedly gathering their belongings and leaving their homes. This mass exodus was triggered by Israel's military instructing over a million civilians to move to the southern part of the coastal strip, which is currently under blockade. This move is seen as a possible indication of an impending ground invasion by Israel, but the United Nations has cautioned that this could lead to a disastrous situation.

 

Israel has been amassing troops near the border with Gaza, raising speculation that they might be preparing to invade the area controlled by Hamas in response to a recent incursion that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people. The last time Israel sent troops into this region was in 2014.

 

However, many Palestinians are hesitant to leave their homes for the southern part of Gaza. This region has even fewer resources, and the routes to get there have been severely damaged due to a week of Israeli airstrikes. Hamas officials have encouraged Palestinians not to comply with what they call Israel's "psychological warfare."

 

Israel's retaliatory airstrikes since last Saturday have been more lethal and extensive compared to its previous campaigns in Gaza. They have devastated entire neighbourhoods, pushed the healthcare system to the brink of collapse, and forced around 400,000 people into temporary shelters. These displaced individuals are now facing severe shortages of food, water, and fuel. The Gaza health ministry has reported that since last Saturday, 1,537 Palestinians have lost their lives, including 500 children and 6,612 people have been injured, with one-quarter of them being children.

 

The United Nations has urgently appealed to Israel to reconsider its demand for forced relocation, citing concerns of a humanitarian catastrophe. On Friday morning, the Israeli military stated that there is no set deadline for people to leave the northern part of Gaza and acknowledged that the process "will take time."

 

 

Here are some other important developments to be aware of:

 

In different parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians resulted in the loss of eight Palestinian lives, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Protests in solidarity with Gaza also occurred in various places across the Middle East. Hamas has called for global demonstrations on Friday to express opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza.

 

Following his recent visit to Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. They discussed the urgent need to expedite the delivery of emergency supplies to Gaza while ensuring the safety of civilians and working towards de-escalation and peace, as mentioned in a statement from Jordanian officials. Israel has stated it won't allow any supplies into Gaza, and Egypt, which controls the other border, has not clarified its stance on this matter.

 

Mr. Blinken was also scheduled to meet with Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority. In 2007, the Palestinian Authority lost control of Gaza when it was taken over by Hamas. Following this meeting, Mr Blinken plans to visit Qatar and continue his travels to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, all with the aim of preventing the conflict from spreading, as stated by the U.S. State Department.

 

A spokesperson for Hamas, Abu Ubaida, stated on Thursday that the group believes it has achieved more than expected with its attack on Israel. He mentioned that the attack involved a battalion of 3,000 people and a backup force of 1,500. He warned the enemy that if they dared to enter Gaza, they would face the destruction of their army.

Latest Updates(15.10.2023)

 

        Understanding the Latest Updates in the Middle East (15.10.2023)

•             The situation in the Middle East can be complex, but I'm here to break down the key events and developments for you in a straightforward manner.

        Escalation at Israel's Northern Border with Lebanon

•             In recent days, there has been an escalation in the fighting along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. On Sunday, a tragic incident occurred when fire from Lebanon hit the border community of Shtula in northern Israel. Regrettably, at least one Israeli lost their life, and three others were wounded. The Israeli military responded by returning fire.

        Israeli Airstrikes in Syria

•             Another significant development is the Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Overnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted the international airport in Aleppo, causing substantial damage and disrupting its services, as reported by Syrian state media. It's important to note that earlier in the week, Israel had already launched attacks on airports in Aleppo and Damascus.

        U.S. Involvement in the Eastern Mediterranean

•             The United States has taken an active role in the region by deploying a second aircraft carrier, the Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean. This carrier joins the Gerald R. Ford, and the primary purpose of this deployment is to "deter hostile actions against Israel." Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III sent the Ford along with five guided-missile cruisers and destroyers to the eastern part of the Mediterranean, near Israel.

        China's Perspective on Israel's Actions

•             China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, recently engaged in discussions with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, regarding Israel's actions. Wang Yi expressed concerns that Israel's actions have exceeded the bounds of self-defence and called for an end to the collective punishment of the people of Gaza. China has also extended an offer to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on the issue of Palestinian statehood.

        What Does This Mean for the Region?

•             The recent developments have raised tensions and concerns in the Middle East. The situation remains volatile, and it's crucial for international players to work towards de-escalation and peaceful solutions.

•             In summary, the Middle East is facing increased tensions, with Israel's actions in Lebanon and Syria, along with the United States' involvement in the eastern Mediterranean, being key points of concern. China has also expressed its views on the matter. It's a complex situation, and efforts should be directed towards finding peaceful resolutions.

In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, the clarion call for peace resounds with unparalleled strength. The horrors of terror attacks on innocent and unarmed people have left scars on our collective conscience, reminding us of the urgent need for unity and harmony.   Terrorism, with its senseless violence and destruction, is an affront to humanity itself. It preys on the vulnerable, shattering lives and communities, leaving behind a trail of pain, suffering, and grief. It knows no bounds, transcending borders and cultures, striking at the heart of our shared humanity.   The pursuit of peace is not a passive endeavour; it requires our unwavering commitment. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a testament that can overcome even the darkest of shadows. It is the embodiment of hope, the promise of a brighter future for generations to come.   To stand against terror attacks on innocent and unarmed people is not just a moral imperative; it is our duty as human beings. We must reject violence as a means to an end and instead embrace dialogue, understanding, and compassion. By addressing the root causes of extremism and working together, we can sow the seeds of lasting peace.   Let us be the champions of peace, the voices that drown out the echoes of hatred, and the hands that reach out in solidarity to those who have suffered. Let us strive to build a world where every person can live free from the fear of violence, and where the beauty of diversity is celebrated, not feared.   In unity, we find strength. In peace, we find hope. Together, we can create a world where terror attacks against innocent and unarmed people are nothing but a distant memory.