The Israel-Hamas conflict has created a chaotic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, as continued airstrikes in the region have resulted in the deaths of thousands, many being women and children. U.S. officials have warned that these actions may lead to attacks on Western targets and experts believe the continued violence will only lead to more violence later on.
Experts worry that with families destroyed and homes lost, young people in Gaza may become radicalized by the war and its aftermath, potentially leading to long-term instability beyond just Israel’s borders.
H.A Hellyer from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said “the cycle of radicalization cannot be thwarted by operations like the one Israel is carrying out,” adding that they can “only make the cycle deeper, wider and uglier.” Hanan Ashrawi from Palestine echoed these sentiments saying that “you’re going to increase demand for revenge” as well as radicalize more people from such trauma caused by conflict. Tania Hary from Gisha added that “it’s a recipe for instability” when faced with “such a situation of injustice, poverty and trauma.”
It appears then, that without some kind of solution or intervention soon, there is real fear about what sort of effects this current conflict may have on future generations in Gaza who are exposed daily to violence and destruction.
BREAKING: Israel’s bombardment of Gaza could be potent recruitment tool for Hamas, experts warn – NBC News
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Experts note too that without any political solutions on either side—from establishing an independent Palestinian state or East Jerusalem as its capital—Hamas‘ power base remains strong despite Israeli efforts to weaken it through military action. Raffaello Pantucci at Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School noted that Palestinians often have “very few options” available due to their current circumstances living under occupation.
He believes any solution must involve both sides electing different leaders who can agree not to perpetuate cycles of violence but work towards peace instead.
