By John Q. Hosedrinker Israel cannot use Oct. 7 as a license to dehumanize others, and this warning from Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is a reminder of the fundamental principle that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has become a breeding ground for hatred and dehumanization on both sides, with people reducing the lives and suffering of others to mere statistics or justifying violence and atrocities.
It is disheartening to witness the way people talk about Palestinians as if they were some sort of invasive species, while on the other end, we see barefaced antisemitism and denial of the horrors that Hamas has engaged in. The rhetoric surrounding this war is beyond alarming, and it is crucial for people to realize that innocent individuals, including children, are caught in the middle of this conflict. It is easy to sit thousands of miles away from the violence and claim that sacrificing some children is acceptable, but such callousness diminishes our own humanity.
However, it is important to put this conflict into perspective. While it is undoubtedly a tragic situation, it is not the only deadly conflict in the world. There are numerous other conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine, that have far-reaching global implications. This does not undermine the suffering of those affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, but rather serves as a reminder that we must broaden our lens and consider the multitude of conflicts happening simultaneously.
It is undeniable that there are videos from Oct. 7 that show acts of violence committed by individuals who may not deserve to be treated as humans. However, it is crucial to differentiate between the perpetrators of violence and the average Palestinian civilians. Blinken’s warning is directed towards ensuring that innocent civilians are not dehumanized or treated as lesser beings simply based on their ethnicity or nationality.
There are those who argue that Hamas is responsible for their own dehumanization, but it is important to remember that a vast majority of Palestinians are not affiliated with Hamas. Dehumanizing an entire population based on the actions of a few is not only unproductive but also unjust. We must not forget that it is possible to condemn the actions of a militant group without dehumanizing the civilians who bear the brunt of the conflict.
It is also worth noting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. As someone who has witnessed the conflict firsthand near the fence of a kibbutz, I cannot look at our relationship with Palestinians in the same light. However, it is essential to distinguish between those who collect intelligence for Hamas and the broader Palestinian population. We must be cautious not to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or stigmatize an entire group based on the actions of a few individuals.
Critics of Blinken may argue that the United States has its own history of dehumanization and violence, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. It is a valid observation that the U.S. has not always lived up to its ideals of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. However, this should not preclude us from acknowledging the importance of Blinken’s message. Instead of deflecting blame or engaging in whataboutism, we should hold ourselves accountable and strive to create a more just and equitable world.
In conclusion, the conflict between Israel and Palestine is a deeply entrenched and complex issue. It is crucial that we do not use Oct. 7 or any other event as an excuse to dehumanize others. Blinken’s warning serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. Let us aspire to build a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and compassion, rather than through the dehumanization of others.