As humanity continues to witness the unfolding catastrophic tragedy in Gaza and the West Bank, it is incumbent upon all decent and compassionate people to recognise that blame is on both sides of this conflict.
The Netanyahu right-wing Israeli government and the medievalist political Islamist Hamas governing party of Gaza have clearly failed both peoples.
Finger-pointing at one or the other will not advance this conflict, only exacerbate the hatred and acrimony.
The sad irony is both governing parties are equally as bad as each other, and both need to be ousted by their respective peoples.
That said, this horrific conflict has grossly disproportionately fallen on the Palestinian people with staggeringly high casualties especially on children and women. The road ahead is fraught with many difficulties and obstacles to peace, however what is clear is military conflict will never succeed in bringing a just and enduring peace.
Acting locally draws attention to the public of the complex nature of this historical and political problem, which has many perspectives and different viewpoints, and deserves consideration and respect.
Respectful and civil debate is critical to unpack and discern all these at times, irreconcilable views. Viewing in absolutist terms – whether religious or secular – is unconstructive towards a negotiated peace, enabling the Palestinian people to achieve a democratic, independent, and free state.
The US and other western nations need to play a constructive role for any just and enduring peace. Israel is highly dependent on the US, and likewise the US needs Israel for its geopolitical strategic ambitions in the Middle East. The current political scene is fraught with many obstacles and global dangers and must be navigated with caution as the global order realigns to suit the major powers.
Ordinary people should recognise that their collective power can and does have influence.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
