Palestinian Perspectives: A Journey To Kfar Aza After The October 7 Tragedy

Last month, I, a Palestinian of East Jerusalem, journeyed to Kfar Aza, one of the kibbutzim devastated on October 7. I came to pay my condolences on behalf of myself and Palestinians, to share with the Israelis the grief, sadness, and sorrow of everything that has happened since that dark day. This journey was not merely a visit but an act of solidarity and recognition of shared humanity amid ongoing conflict.

As a person who has spent my life opening channels of dialogue with Israelis, I have learned that both sides believe they are engaged in a just fight. This belief creates a cycle of animosity where neither sees the other as a partner for peace. Instead, both sides often view the other as the source of their problems, failing to recognize that we are, in fact, each other's potential solution.

Knowing both Palestinians and Israelis, I am optimistic that we can work our way out of this current tragedy. We must stop continually looking backward at our painful history and instead focus on the future. By shifting our perspective, we can envision a political horizon where the conflict is resolved and hostages are released.

The horrors of October 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza have not altered the fundamental reality that both Israelis and Palestinians will continue to coexist in this land. Israelis will seek peace while remaining concerned about their security, and Palestinians will pursue peace that includes human dignity, rights, and justice for all.

The essential lesson from the events of October 7 and the continuing strife in Gaza is that war has never been the right choice. We must understand that peace is an inevitable outcome we must strive for.

To achieve this peace, it is crucial that Palestinians and Israelis form partnerships across the region, supported fully by the United States. This cooperation can pave the way for a more peaceful future.

The president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, must step down, just as the current far-right Israeli leadership must go. Abbas deserves to leave the political scene with dignity, and Palestinians deserve a leadership that is representative, accountable, and younger—achieved through free elections. A new unified Palestinian government must emerge, built on transparency and integrity, addressing corruption in the West Bank and devastation in Gaza.

This new government should lay the groundwork for democracy, accountability, and a clear separation of powers. It should unite all Palestinians, encouraging their active participation in political life while respecting their rights and freedoms. Most importantly, it must seek collaboration with Israel to finally resolve one of the most intricate conflicts of our time.

Change in leadership on both sides could reopen avenues for negotiations and potentially bring this long-standing conflict to a close. I envision a day when an Israeli activist or leader visits Gaza, just as I did Kfar Aza, to offer condolences and share in our collective grief over the countless civilian lives lost in this ongoing war.

We must acknowledge the moral responsibilities we bear for our actions and those taken by individuals within our communities. We Palestinians hold the moral weight for what transpired on October 7, just as Israelis must grapple with the civilian losses and destruction occurring in Gaza today.

Now, before it is too late, we have a fleeting opportunity to end the chaos and embrace peace. A ceasefire is essential for releasing hostages and prisoners from both sides, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Palestinian-Israeli relations. It is time for Palestinians to adopt a strategy that guarantees security for Israelis, while Israelis must ensure human dignity, respect, and prosperity for Palestinians.

The stars are aligning for us. The international community has prioritized the Middle East, engaging in unprecedented diplomatic efforts to guide all parties toward new political horizons.