Violence in Washington Won't Stop the War in Gaza

Newsweek

27-05-2025

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We don't yet know much about Elias Rodriguez, who shot two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. But what we do know is this: violence like this is not what Palestinians seek, and it must be unequivocally condemned.
The old saying "two wrongs don't make a right" applies here. Israel's devastating war on Gaza and its collective punishment of Palestinians—though unconscionable—cannot justify an attack on foreign soil. Nothing can.
The attack in Washington took place against the backdrop of Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestine. But even if the motive proves to be anti-Israeli, it is wrong to scapegoat Palestinians or to undermine global leaders who are calling for an end to the war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli military campaign has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children. For over eleven weeks, Gaza has also suffered under a blockade that has cut off food, water, electricity, and medical supplies. These atrocities must be confronted—not by targeting individuals far from the conflict zone, but by exerting political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to stop the war. It is unacceptable to wave the flag of antisemitism against anyone critical of Israeli actions.
Western leaders—from Europe, the U.K., Canada, and Australia—should not be swayed by the inflammatory rhetoric of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has blamed their opposition to Israeli war and starvation for the violence in Washington. Netanyahu, currently facing multiple criminal charges for corruption and abuse of power, is trying to deflect responsibility and delegitimize those calling for a ceasefire, permission of humanitarian aid to starving Gazans, and peace in Palestine.
The world knows the names of the Israeli diplomats killed in Washington—Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. But how many know the names of the tens of thousands of Palestinian victims of Israel in Gaza?
Thanks to the brave students at Columbia University, the name of one child has broken through: Hind Rajab. She was found shot dead in a car next to her lifeless family members after waiting for hours in vain for rescue. According to UNICEF, and after nearly 18 months of war, more than 15,000 children have been killed, with 34,000 injured, and nearly one million children repeatedly displaced and deprived of their right to basic services.
A Palestinian woman carries a girl wounded in an Israeli strike in the Saftawi neighbourhood west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025.
A Palestinian woman carries a girl wounded in an Israeli strike in the Saftawi neighbourhood west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025.
BASHAR TALEB / AFP/Getty Images
UN Women estimates that more than 28,000 women and girls have also lost their lives.
In a powerful gesture, Jordan's Radio al-Balad, the station I am involved with, used International Women's Day on March 8 to read aloud the names of some of these women—among them celebrities, politicians, and even a princess participated, under the theme: We Are Not Numbers.
The war in Gaza must end immediately. According to multiple media reports, Hamas has expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages if the Netanyahu government agrees to a ceasefire. The group has even offered to relinquish control of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian committee ahead of elections for a new unified Palestinian government.
This proposal has reportedly been accepted by the international community—including the UN Secretary General—yet rejected by Israel's prime minister. Many believe an end to the war could also mean the end of Netanyahu's political career, and potentially his imprisonment if convicted in court.
Meanwhile, Israelis themselves are protesting in the streets, demanding an end to the war and the release of the hostages. A political resolution is both necessary and possible.
That resolution must address the root of the conflict: Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories captured in 1967. Palestinians must be allowed their fundamental right to self-determination. A just and lasting peace requires the implementation of longstanding international resolutions, including the establishment of a sovereign, democratic Palestinian state alongside Israel, and a fair solution for Palestinian refugees.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be resolved in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Gaza—not in Washington, D.C. Violence abroad will not bring justice. Peace will only come when the underlying injustice is addressed.
Daoud Kuttab is an award-winning Palestinian journalist and the author of State of Palestine Now, available in three languages on Amazon.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.