The recent attack on a bus traveling on a West Bank highway, south of Jerusalem, which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy, is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence that grips the region. This reprehensible act of terror underscores the cruel and merciless nature of the enemies Israel faces, particularly from those aligned with Hamas. The sheer barbarity of attacking a bus full of passengers showcases their complete disdain for human life. It’s baffling and profoundly troubling that despite these brutal acts, there remains any semblance of sympathy for their cause. Such sympathy not only overlooks the ongoing violence inflicted on everyday Israelis but also ignores the fundamental rights of all people to live in safety and peace.
What often goes unreported in the mainstream media is the context of such brutality. Israel finds itself continually on the defense against groups like Hamas, who far from being the beleaguered defenders some portray them to be, often initiate violence from areas like Gaza. Let’s be clear: Hamas is not defending; it is perpetrating. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, engages in tactics that purposefully aim to sow terror and disrupt everyday life in Israel.
This incident on Route 60, where a gunman remains at large, is a reflection of the larger struggle against forces that eschew peace for terror. When we talk about the evils of war, it’s crucial to remember the true face of barbarism: groups that target buses carrying civilians, including children, without a second thought. It’s these very terrorists who keep hostages in the most deplorable conditions imaginable, day in and day out, subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. Yet, somehow, the world’s focus is skewed. It’s utterly bewildering that the international community would rather vilify Netanyahu for so-called war crimes than pursue the actual villains. This misplaced focus doesn’t just undermine Israel’s right to defend itself; it emboldens the very perpetrators of terror. How can we expect justice when the real criminals are given a pass while Israel is continually condemned? The hypocrisy is staggering.
The narrative that needs more attention is that of the relentless threat under which many Israelis live. The global community must recognize and address the root causes of such terrorism, and support efforts that hold these violent extremists accountable. Only then can there be a hope for peace, where children on buses travel safely, free from the threat of gunfire.
