Peace in the Middle East is possible... we must act now
The Independent|October 07, 2024
Aziz Abu Sarah is Palestinian, Maoz Inon Israeli. Both have lost family members to the conflict in terrible cirumstances but here they join forces with a message of action and hope
Aziz Abu Sarah, Maoz Inon
Peace in the Middle East is possible... we must act now

Right now, we could be on the precipice of a regional conflict, or even a world war – or we could be on the precipice of hope. We must choose which path we wish to take.

That is why we have joined forces to call for the international community to support our efforts to build peace out of the inferno of this conflict. The European Union is proof that peace is possible. The relationship between the US and Japan is proof that it is possible. The peace between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland is proof. Humanity has achieved peace many times before, and we must achieve peace now, between the river and the sea.

We don’t need the world’s thoughts, prayers, or crossed fingers for luck – it’s time for action to force an immediate halt to the war and to begin the process of conflict resolution between Israel and Palestine, with Lebanon included in the dialogue. We (Aziz and Maoz) met briefly several years ago in Jerusalem – just a simple hello and a handshake. But we reconnected on 8 October, the day after Maoz’s parents were murdered, when Aziz reached out with his condolences. Maoz understood how difficult it must have been for a Palestinian to reach out to an Israeli at that moment. He replied immediately.

This story is from the October 07, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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This story is from the October 07, 2024 edition of The Independent.

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