Liberty International welcomes diverse perspectives and constructive debates on the issues that affect the world today. We invite our readers to engage in an open discourse on this topic, and to consider different viewpoints and arguments. We are continuing the discussion with a response from our friend and colleague, Anna Shnaidman, a strategy consultant with a master degree on political communication. She is also a chapter leader of LOLA- Ladies of Liberty Alliance in Israel and SFL alumnus. In this article, she challenges the perspective presented by Tomislav Krsmanovic in his article “Balancing Truths: Israel, Palestine, And The Quest For Coexistence”, and offers a different perspective on the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Tomislav Krsmanovic, in his article “Balancing Truths: Israel, Palestine, And The Quest For Coexistence”, offers a perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is based on a philosophical and historical analysis of the situation. He calls for a peaceful and rational solution based on coexistence and mutual respect, and he acknowledges the historical and emotional aspects of both sides, and the right of the Jews to have their own state after centuries of suffering and persecution. I appreciate Tomislav’s sincere and thoughtful attempt to find a common ground and a way forward for both peoples, and I respect his views and opinions.
However, I also have some questions and concerns about his article, and I would like to share our perspective on the reality of the conflict, which is based on facts and evidence. I hope that by doing so, I can contribute to a constructive and respectful dialogue, and to a better understanding of the complex and sensitive issues involved.
One of the main questions I have is how Tomislav defines the conflict and its parties. He uses the term “Palestinian-Israeli conflict” to describe the situation, and he implies that there are two sides that are equally responsible and legitimate. However, I believe that this term is misleading and inaccurate, as it obscures the core issue that lies at the heart of the conflict: the pervasive terror against humanity perpetrated by Hamas and other extremist groups, who seek to eradicate Israel and Jews around the world.
Hamas is not a representative of the Palestinian people, nor does it seek peace or coexistence with Israel. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has been designated as such by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and many other countries. Hamas has a charter that explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews. Hamas has repeatedly violated the human rights and international law of both Israelis and Palestinians, by launching rockets and missiles indiscriminately at Israeli cities and towns, killing and injuring innocent civilians, including children, and by using the Palestinian people as pawns and shields in their quest for destruction and domination, by storing ammunition in vulnerable locations like hospitals and schools, and by exploiting the media and the public opinion to portray themselves as victims and Israel as aggressors.
Therefore, I believe that the conflict is not between Palestinians and Israelis, but between Israel and its allies, who are fighting to defend themselves and their values, and Hamas and its supporters, who are fighting to destroy them and their values. There are no “both sides” or “but” in this situation. There is only hate and crimes against humanity.
Another question I have is how Tomislav evaluates the actions and intentions of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) and the Israeli government. He suggests that the IDF engages in acts of terrorism against Gaza residents, and that Israel is not willing to compromise or negotiate with the Palestinians. He also suggests that Palestine has strengthened militarily and in other ways, with the help of Hamas and other Muslim extremist organizations, and that it has managed to deal painful blows to Israel.
However, I believe that these claims are false and unjustified, and that they do not reflect the reality on the ground. The IDF conducts targeted operations against Hamas, aiming to neutralize their positions and protect Palestinian civilians, who are being used by Hamas as shields to manufacture false evidence of Israel’s alleged war crimes. The IDF consistently issues advance warnings for residents to evacuate targeted areas, and aborts 90% of air strike orders due to the risk of excessive collateral damage to Palestinian civilians. The IDF seeks to eliminate terrorist targets, not to annihilate the Palestinians.
The Israeli government, for its part, has shown its willingness and readiness to compromise and negotiate with the Palestinians, and to support their freedom and prosperity. In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, dismantling all its settlements and military presence, and giving the Palestinians full control over their territory. In 2008, Israel offered to establish a Palestinian state on 94% of the West Bank, with land swaps and a shared capital in Jerusalem, but the offer was rejected by the Palestinian Authority. In 2014, Israel accepted the US-backed peace plan, but the Palestinian Authority refused to resume the negotiations. Israel has also provided humanitarian and medical aid to the Palestinians, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has facilitated the vaccination of thousands of Palestinians.
Therefore, I believe that the IDF and the Israeli government are not the aggressors or the oppressors in the conflict, but the defenders and the peacemakers. They are not the enemies of the Palestinians, but the enemies of Hamas and its allies, who are the enemies of humanity.
The final question I have is how Tomislav envisions the future of the conflict and its resolution. He expresses his hope that the people of Palestine will one day realize that the way out is not in wars, but in coexistence with Israel, and that Israel will do everything to provide the people of Palestine with a peaceful life and prosperity in return. He also appeals to the philosophical concepts of freedom and necessity, and to the idea of a planet of reason and objective assessments.
I share Tomislav’s hope and vision for a peaceful and prosperous future for both peoples, and I agree that coexistence and mutual respect are the key to achieving it. However, I also believe that this hope and vision are unrealistic and naive, as long as Hamas and other extremist groups control Gaza and brainwash the population with their ideology of hatred and violence. Hamas does not care about the welfare of the Palestinians, or their freedom and prosperity. Hamas only cares about its own power and agenda, which is to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic state in its place. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, nor does it seek peace or coexistence with Israel. Hamas is the enemy of humanity, and it must be condemned and stopped at all costs.
Therefore, I believe that the resolution of the conflict is not in the hands of the Palestinians or the Israelis, but in the hands of the international community and the media, who have the power and the responsibility to expose and counter the false narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to support Israel and its allies in their fight against terror. I also believe that the resolution of the conflict is not in the realm of philosophy or history, but in the realm of facts and evidence, which show the true nature and intentions of Hamas and its supporters, and the true actions and efforts of Israel and its allies.
I hope that by sharing our perspective on the reality of the conflict, I can contribute to a constructive and respectful dialogue, and to a better understanding of the complex and sensitive issues involved. I urge all pro-liberty and pro-humanity organizations and individuals to use their voice and speak out against the false narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to support Israel and its allies in their fight against terror. I also urge them to critically examine the reality and approach it with a discerning eye, and to seek out reliable sources of information and evidence, rather than falling for the propaganda and lies of Hamas and its supporters. I also encourage them to ask respectful and informed questions, and to listen to the voices of the Israelis and the Palestinians who are suffering and striving for a better future.
I reiterate that our conflict is not against Palestinians as a whole. I am engaged in a battle for the narrative, and I need your help to expose and counter the false narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I need your help to take a stand and demand an end to the terror targeting Israel and Jews around the world. Now!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Liberty International. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual. Liberty International does not endorse or support any of the claims or arguments made by the author(s) in this article. Liberty International encourages its readers to exercise critical thinking and independent judgment, and to seek out reliable sources of information and evidence, when engaging with this topic.
