Opinion | Israel-Gaza war: here are 2 things we can at least all agree on

The unbelievably cruel and tragic events of October 7 have opened wounds that will never heal for some; for many, healing will take decades, if not generations. When Hamas militia rampaged into Israel, abducting and murdering innocent men, women and children, including babies and the elderly, much of the vicious horror that ensued was live-streamed on social media.

This was a harsh reminder of this historic conflict’s capacity for brutality and its immeasurable impact on ordinary, vulnerable and innocent families. People from at least 35 countries are reportedly dead, missing or among the hostages.

There has rightly been an outpouring of sympathy for Israel from Western government leaders whose support for the country is deeply embedded. Unfortunately, there seems to be less of an appetite to pursue a peaceful solution or intervene to stop the tragedy, which is escalating by the hour and devastating the lives of millions of helpless, innocent Palestinian men, women and children.

There is an enormous and growing concern regarding the siege of Gaza, where communities are trapped in one of the world’s most densely populated areas, devoid of safe shelter amid relentless military strikes. These people are being denied access to food, clean water and power. What little humanitarian aid trickling in is entirely inadequate.

Medical facilities were already overwhelmed and insufficiently resourced before the war. Casualties are rapidly mounting in an area increasingly described as the world’s largest open prison.

Public opinion is polarised, but we are seeing more demonstrations worldwide to call for an immediate humanitarian truce and for aid to be immediately allowed into Gaza unhindered.