—Bellal Bin Quashem—

At every critical turning point in world history, war has written a brutal and terrifying narrative. From the ancient Trojan War to the modern crises in Syria, Ukraine, and the latest Iran-Palestine conflict- war has consistently torn humanity apart from within. Cities, civilizations, relationships- all have collapsed under the weight of destruction. But perhaps the greatest casualty has been humanity itself. War is a dangerous virus. Once unleashed, it spreads beyond borders, infecting not just the land but the conscience of mankind.

In this article, we reflect on the Iran-Palestine situation- a conflict that is not only political in nature, but a deep and ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. This crisis confronts us with a simple, yet painful question: Have we truly learned to be human?

The current Iran-Palestine conflict is not merely a clash between two territories or ideologies. It is a geopolitical confrontation rooted in historical injustices, power struggles, and ideological domination. On one side stands Israel, enforcing a long-standing policy of aggression against Palestinian regions, while groups like Hamas resist under the banner of liberation. On the other side, Iran- one of the Middle East’s most influential powers- acts either directly or indirectly to support opposition to Israel’s might.

But in all these political chess games, who remembers the child buried under rubble? Whose dreams die when a home is turned to ash? Whose future is silenced by the bomb that falls from the sky?

War today is a machine powered by religion, politics, and national interest. Yet none of these pillars, in their purest form, preach death. Religion never condones killing; politics is meant for nation-building; and national interest should prioritize the safety and prosperity of its people.

When Gaza’s skies are filled with the smoke of explosives, when children breathe poison instead of air, when mothers wail while clutching the corpses of their children- how can the world’s conscience remain silent?

Human rights institutions, the United Nations, and global organizations often respond with pre-written, hollow statements. On one hand, the U.S. and its European allies supply bombs under the guise of Israel’s “right to self-defense.” On the other hand, powers like Russia and China leverage the situation for strategic gain by siding with Iran or Syria.

In all of this, there are no true allies of humanity- only allies of interest.

When war becomes a daily reality, it does not just cost nations militarily- it eats away at the very soul of a society. And today, it feels as though that soul is disappearing.

History answers with a resounding no. The atomic bombs dropped at the end of World War II didn’t bring peace- they instilled fear. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, carried out under the banner of democracy, didn’t bring stability- they sparked extremism. Intervention in Syria didn’t yield peace- it created chaos.

All wars, regardless of justification, result in the same three consequences: vengeance, division, and dehumanization.

The children of Gaza don’t understand maps of war- they only dream of peace. But they are denied that peace. Because decisions to wage war are made by adults, while the costs are borne by the innocent. Gunfire never brings harmony- it brings silence. The smell of gunpowder never yields the fragrance of flowers.

War today is no longer what it used to be. Media is now part of the battlefield. Whatever gets ‘trending’ determines public sympathy. Even if the image of a child crying goes viral, it is quickly buried under the next sensational story.

Behind the scenes, multinational corporations are heavily invested in the arms industry. News networks are influenced by those who profit from violence. The more the war drags on, the more the shares of weapon manufacturers rise.

It’s often said that if the world were to stop arms production for just one year, the saved resources could provide education and healthcare for every person on earth. But in this factory of greed, humanity has no value. War has become a market, where lives are cheap and profits reign supreme.

This question is painful. When an Israeli citizen hears of the loss of a loved one, their tears are real. When a Palestinian mother loses both her children, her scream is just as real. Yet media and world politics brand one as “heroism” and the other as “terrorism.”

This double standard is what defeats humanity. Humanity loses when we judge lives based on religion. Humanity loses when we grow tired of war coverage, even though war victims remain sleepless in fear.

What is our role in all of this? We must take a stand against war. Remaining neutral in the face of injustice is equivalent to siding with the oppressor. We must nurture a culture of peace in our homes, societies, and nations.

Children must be taught empathy, not hatred. On social media, we must share truth and compassion- not propaganda and hate.

We must urge world leaders and international bodies to promote anti-war diplomacy. Let there be stronger international laws controlling arms sales. Let war criminals face justice in empowered international courts.

And above all, we- the ordinary people- must not remain mute and blind. We must raise our voices. Because if war continues, our homes too will not remain untouched for long.

Today, as the children of Iran, Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen cry out in hunger and pain- why does our heart not tremble?

The wars must end. Because if humans do not end war, then war will end humans. One day, this earth may be silent. No nations, no religions, no languages just the ruins of war. Before that apocalyptic day arrives, we must awaken.

We must end war- because only peace can preserve what is left of our humanity.

Author: Poet, Columnist and Public Relations Specialist. [email protected]