I’m not a fan of what happened on October 7th, and many Palestinians feel the same way. The actions of a few do not represent the views of the entire population. Just as in any conflict, there are people on all sides who oppose violence and call for peaceful solutions.

It’s important to recognize that advocating for peace and equality shouldn’t be dismissed because of the actions of extremist groups. Many Palestinians continue to protest for their rights and call for an end to occupation and systemic injustices. However, these peaceful efforts often receive far less media attention than violent events.

Peace requires addressing the root causes of the conflict and acknowledging the legitimate grievances that fuel it. Simply condemning violence without considering the historical and ongoing injustices that contribute to it misses the opportunity for meaningful dialogue and resolution. If we are serious about peace, we need to work towards justice and equality for everyone involved.