LETTER | Untold tragedy in Gaza

LETTER | The continuing war between the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu against Hamas has, to date, exacted a civilian death toll soon nearing 20,000.

On Oct 7, 2023, Hamas killed or kidnapped nearly 1,600 Israelis in a sudden and brazen attack.

Since the declaration of war by Netanyahu’s government on Hamas, the whole world has subsequently seen and woefully endured much more bloodshed and carnage in the Gaza Strip. 

In the pursuit of the terrorists, many Palestinian civilians of all faiths have been killed or wounded in the process.

The damage inflicted on their homes is utterly sorrowful, making hundreds of thousands of innocents homeless.

Countless women and children have also been killed and injured the last 70 days, and many more children orphaned.

The agony that these innocents have endured is sickening and unimaginable even to those watching from far away, around the world.

Recently, Israeli soldiers mistakenly shot and killed three of their own escaping hostages in the melee and confusion of war.

Netanyahu even called it an “unbearable tragedy”.

The tens of thousands of innocents killed was also an “unbearable tragedy” for all, especially to their surviving loved ones.

All this shows that it’s time for those with the power to make a difference to again call for a complete ceasefire and negotiate. 

Imagine if, prompt negotiations had taken place immediately instead of a declaration of war, much pain would have been avoided. 

Hastiness had surely led to worse for all but the innocents on both sides suffered the most. 

Indeed, an eye for an eye makes the world blind as the great Mahatma Gandhi warned. 

The world now awaits an immediate ceasefire. Please, for God’s sake. 

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.