### Coordination of Violence: An Endless Cycle in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Recent events have highlighted the tragic spiral of violence that continues to mark the Palestinian territories. In the wake of a fragile ceasefire, the announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a major military operation in Jenin provoked immediate reactions. This new confrontation, accompanied by a tragic human toll with the death of at least ten Palestinians, including a child, raises a fundamental question: how to get out of this infernal cycle of violence, and at what cost to the civilian populations on both sides?
The term “Iron Wall” chosen by Netanyahu to designate this operation does not only refer to a military strategy; it also evokes a philosophy deeply rooted in the history of Israeli nationalism. Historically, the idea of a “wall” is linked to the need to protect the State of Israel at the expense of the rights of the other. This rhetoric is echoed in various military campaigns conducted by Israel, from “Operation Cast Lead” to “Operation Protective Edge,” illustrating a continuity that, far from pacifying the region, seems to exacerbate tensions.
It is crucial to emphasize that this escalation is not happening in a vacuum. It is part of a broader context where violence by Israeli settlers has seen an alarming rise. According to data from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), acts of violence committed by settlers are constantly increasing, reaching alarming levels in 2023, with targeted attacks against Palestinian civilians, destruction of property, and physical assaults. Paradoxically, these acts, often tolerated or even encouraged by certain sections of Israeli society, reflect a dynamic where violence becomes a tool for territorial claims.
### One Conflict, Multiple Narratives
To better understand the situation, it is essential to embrace a polychromatic approach, considering the narratives of the different actors. On the Israeli side, the perception of national security legitimizes the use of force as a deterrence mechanism. Political figures, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, speak of an expanded war on the security front in the West Bank, both to respond to potential threats and to stabilize their own political position.
On the other hand, the Palestinian discourse presents a struggle for self-determination, where Israeli military actions are seen as an extension of the colonial occupation. Calls for resistance, coming from factions such as Islamic Jihad, demonstrate a sense of urgency in the face of what they call a “criminal campaign.”. In a context where hopes for peace increasingly seem like a chimera, these testimonies only crystallize the resentment accumulated over decades.
### Economic and Social Perspectives: A System in Decline
The vicious circle of violence is not limited to military confrontations. It also has profound repercussions on local and regional economies. According to a recently published World Bank study, recurring conflicts lead to the destruction of infrastructure, rising unemployment and deteriorating living conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. In an environment where access to resources is controlled and limited, populations are trapped in a state of precariousness that fuels further tensions and frustrations.
The figures speak for themselves: the unemployment rate in Gaza is over 50%, and young people, deprived of a future, are particularly vulnerable to radicalization. This desperate climate fosters cycles of violence where revenge and the eruption of intercommunal tensions often take precedence over peaceful initiatives and dialogue.
### The Role of the International Community: A Destruction of the Global Audience
The role of the international community in this context also remains problematic. Verbal condemnations of Israeli violence are no substitute for concrete action. With the US administration oscillating between unconditional support for Israel and sporadic attempts at mediation, little tangible progress is being made. The withdrawal of sanctions against violent settlers, combined with a lack of effective response to a skewed human rights hierarchy, is undermining the credibility of international diplomacy.
### Conclusion: Towards a Global Awareness
As the violence in Jenin and elsewhere in the Palestinian territories continues, it is imperative to adopt a new holistic approach. The urgency of an inclusive dialogue, which embraces the concerns of all parties involved, is more crucial than ever. This requires not only political will, but also a sincere commitment to understanding the daily experiences of the populations affected by this conflict.
This shared reality could open a path to a lasting peace, where every human life is considered precious, regardless of its origin. Ultimately, the spirit of empathy and understanding can break the cycle of violence, transforming the walls of enmity into bridges of solidarity.