Protesters hold placards and wave Palestinian flags as they take part in a recent pro-Palestinian march in Cape Town. Picture: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
Last week, I was in Egypt to help the victims of the Gaza war and distribute goods on behalf of the Ottoman Heritage Trust in South Africa.
Indeed, the Israeli occupation and crimes against humanity in Palestine have persisted for decades, marked by cycles of violence, suffering, and a profound humanitarian crisis.
In recent years, discussions around "Israeli victory" have emerged, but such notions often obscure the deeper, more troubling realities of the situation.
Casualties among Palestinian civilians are staggering, with thousands of lives lost and countless others disrupted. Families are shattered, communities are displaced, and the psychological scars run deep. In this context, any claims of victory ring hollow when weighed against the suffering endured by ordinary people.
Warfare does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants; it leaves a legacy of trauma that perpetuates cycles of violence. Despite numerous Israeli military operations and interventions, a tangible resolution remains elusive. Each escalation tends to reinforce entrenched positions, making negotiations increasingly difficult. The repeated failures to achieve a lasting peace agreement demonstrate that military strategies have not led to genuine reconciliation or security for either side. Instead of a definitive victory, the reality is a political stalemate characterised by mutual distrust and deepening animosity.
As the world watches, the narrative of victory becomes tarnished by allegations of crimes against humanity, further complicating the moral landscape. The perceived triumph of one side often invites backlash and complicates diplomatic relations, suggesting that military success can result in long-term diplomatic failures.
The glorification of military might only exacerbate the cycle of violence. It fosters a mentality that equates strength with righteousness, overlooking the potential for dialogue and peace-building. This militarised approach ignores fundamental human needs for dignity, justice, and security.
In light of these realities, the notion of victory must be redefined. True success lies not in military dominance that involves bombing innocent civilians and hospitals but in fostering understanding, dialogue, and compromise. Acknowledging the humanity of the "other" is crucial for moving toward a resolution. Initiatives focused on peace-building, community engagement, and mutual recognition can pave the way for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist with dignity and respect.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not merely a struggle for territory but a complex interplay of identity, history, and human rights. The pursuit of military victory serves only to deepen divisions and perpetuate suffering. It is imperative to shift the narrative from one of conquest to one of cooperation and coexistence. Only through this lens can we hope to achieve lasting peace, one that honours the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
In fact, while Israel may declare itself the winner, it is clear that it has already suffered casualties, including military personnel and civilians, as a result of ongoing violence and conflict. The psychological impact on communities is also profound. Despite their financial resources and welfare, people in Israel are not happy because they are not psychologically well due to the aggressive policies of their state against Palestinians. There is a question to ask here: What does Israel really aim to achieve with this terror?
* Halim Gençoğlu is a historian with PhD from UCT and is a post-doctoral fellow at Wits University.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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