by Olumide Onabajo

The Israel and Gaza War has been an ongoing conflict for several years, with sporadic episodes of violence and aggression on both sides. But on Thursday, 12th October 2023, the situation reached a boiling point as Gaza citizens faced a barrage of rockets from Israel, which left over 1200 Palestinians dead and more than 5000 injured. While Israel had also lost over 1100 and 2500 people injured.

In response to the escalating violence, Israel’s Prime Minister announced the formation of a wartime government to deal with the crisis. However, this move has done little to quell the unrest in the region, with both sides determined to continue their fight.

The conflict between Israel and Gaza has many root causes, including territorial disputes, historical grievances, and political tensions. But it is the innocent civilians who are bearing the brunt of this deadly conflict. The loss of life and damage to infrastructure in Gaza is catastrophic, while rockets coming from Gaza have created a sense of terror in Israeli towns and cities.

The United Nations should play an active role in mediating a peaceful resolution to this conflict. The UN’s peacekeeping forces can help to restore calm and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence. The international community must come together to advocate for an end to the fighting and work toward a peaceful solution.

One possible solution is a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully, each having their own sovereign territory. Negotiations for a two-state solution have been ongoing for years, but have yet to yield any concrete results. If both sides can come to a mutual agreement, it could provide a way forward for a peaceful resolution.

Another solution is for both sides to agree to a ceasefire. Ceasefire agreements have been signed in the past, but they have always been short-lived. This time around, a long-term ceasefire could provide a much-needed break from the violence and pave the way for negotiations toward a permanent peace agreement.

The Israel and Gaza War is a tragedy that demands a swift and peaceful resolution. Innocent civilians are paying the price for this conflict, and it’s time for both sides to show restraint and work toward a peaceful resolution. It may be a difficult road ahead, but the stakes are too high for any other option.

Olumide Onabajo
Public Policy Technocrat