The southern Israeli city of Netivot, located near the Gaza border, narrowly escaped a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. Many residents believe that the city was spared due to the miraculous intervention of the Jewish sages buried there. Despite this, there is little sympathy among the residents for the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The sentiments in Netivot reflect a broader Israeli perspective, with many blaming Hamas for endangering civilians by embedding fighters in residential areas.
The trauma of the October 7 attack, where Hamas-led gunmen killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, is still fresh in the minds of Israelis. The subsequent military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. While some Palestinians have spoken out against Hamas and its allies for the atrocities committed, many Israelis view the Gaza population as complicit in the violence due to their support for Hamas and their perceived lack of remorse.
The war with Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction and displacement of the population. Israel has faced international criticism for its handling of the conflict, especially in terms of restricting aid to Gaza. Many Israelis are divided over the issue of humanitarian aid, with some expressing mixed emotions about the situation in Gaza. There is also a sense that the world has moved on too quickly from the events of October 7, without fully recognizing Israeli suffering.
Despite the hardships faced by Gazans, many Israelis believe that Hamas is to blame for the ongoing conflict and the suffering of civilians. The mainstream Israeli media often focuses on Israeli casualties and the heroism of soldiers, rather than the plight of Gazans. While there is little desire to see Gazan children suffer, many Israelis feel frustrated by the lack of progress in resolving the conflict and bringing the hostages home. There are differing opinions on the best course of action, with some advocating for further military action and others calling for a negotiated settlement.
The war has deepened divisions within Israeli society, with political and ideological differences shaping attitudes towards Gaza. Some Israelis feel that the suffering of Gazans is a direct result of Hamas’ actions, while others express concern for the humanitarian crisis. Despite the challenges faced by both sides, there is a sense of weariness and frustration among Israelis who are eager to see an end to the conflict. The situation is complex and multi-faceted, with no easy solutions in sight.
