The only victory in the Middle East will be lasting peace: A letter from our Palestinian & Israeli Directors on October 7, 2024

In the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, one painful truth remains clear: military victories do not represent victories for people and humanity. While we are one year on from the events of October 7, for generations, both Israelis and Palestinians have been caught in a cycle of violence and suffering, with each round of fighting sowing more division and mistrust – further polarizing future generations. Victory won't come through physical force and further conflict. It will only emerge through a collaborative commitment to enduring change and significant investment in lasting peace to ensure that this is the last war.

We write this as the Israeli and Palestinian Directors for the world’s largest peacebuilding organization, Search for Common Ground. We have spent the last 12 months grieving the collective loss of our humanity, the continued human suffering, and the failure of our international leaders to understand that there will be no military victory to end this war.

As both a Palestinian and an Israeli, we come together to call on friends of Palestine and friends of Israel to adopt a stance of multiparty empathy and understanding. It is essential to recognize the suffering endured by victims on both sides of this long and painful conflict. We understand that while peace among Israelis and Palestinians may feel distant now, it is attainable if we can address the obstacles that have prevented it for so long. These obstacles are rooted in generational trauma, deep polarization, and a profound loss of faith in political processes. To build peace, we need a multi-generational effort focused on healing that acknowledges the suffering of all people, rebuilding trust, and creating a path toward a shared, inclusive, and secure future.

Dealing with trauma and security provides the building blocks for lasting peace

One of the most significant challenges to peace is the unhealed trauma carried by both Israelis and Palestinians. For decades this conflict has caused personal and collective suffering, with each flare-up of violence reopening old wounds. Both sides live in a perpetual state of fear, with Palestinians enduring violent occupation and restrictions on movement, and Israelis living under the threat of rocket fire and terrorist attacks.

A comprehensive and inclusive peace process can only begin when both Palestinians and Israelis can live without fear, and the physical security of all is prioritized. Security, in this sense, goes beyond borders and military presence. It encompasses the ability to live with dignity and without the constant fear of structural violence.

Personal security, however, is only one building block for lasting peace. The trauma that has built up over decades also needs to be addressed. This requires investment in mental health resources and long-term psychosocial support. Trauma seeps into the very fabric of societies, fueling lasting hatred and generational distrust. Breaking this cycle requires fostering empathy and understanding across divides – a process that will require patience, sensitivity, dedication, and leadership.

Polarization and the absence of trust in political leaders

The deep polarization between Israelis and Palestinians is another obstacle to peace. Over time, both sides have become entrenched in their own narratives, often dehumanizing the other. Leaders on both sides have, at times, inflamed these divisions by prioritizing military or political dominance over reconciliation – failing to provide any political horizon and putting unjust systems of collective punishment in place.

One of the most striking divides is between young people and their political leadership. Nearly half of Israelis and three-quarters of Palestinians are under the age of 30, yet most political leaders are over 60. A generational gap that fuels disillusionment. Young people have grown up witnessing only conflict, with little to no evidence that political processes can deliver meaningful change. As a result, their expectations for a peaceful political resolution are limited and they place more faith in armed actors to deliver security or peace.?

Research and polling consistently demonstrate that a major obstacle to peace is the belief – held by Israelis and Palestinians alike – that the other is not interested in peace. In response, we must amplify the voices of Israelis and Palestinians who support peace.?

A generational commitment to building peace

Peace won’t happen overnight and our efforts now will lay the groundwork for future generations to see the lasting impact. The “day after” violence ends will require years — if not decades — of sustained effort. We need to invest in community-led peacebuilding initiatives, fostering dialogue across dividing lines to build trust and cooperation, while creating space for new leaders to emerge.

In both Israeli and Palestinian societies, many voices advocate for peace, yet they are often overshadowed by those advocating for military solutions. In the past year, 50 peace organizations and leaders have formed a coalition advocating for a hostage deal and a diplomatic end to the war. Given the opportunity, local peace champions can shift the narrative, encourage dialogue, and help communities envision a future without violence.?

Another key step is investing in education that encourages coexistence and mutual understanding. Narratives of hatred and distrust are powerful forces in this conflict, especially among younger generations. Education, in schools or on social media, can help counter these narratives and encourage young people to envision a shared future built on trust and dignity for all.

A ceasefire is not peace

It’s not enough to agree on a ceasefire or sign peace accords at the diplomatic level. These efforts must translate into meaningful change in the everyday lives of Israelis & Palestinians. Communities must define what peace and security mean to them – allowing for different needs and expectations – and political processes must deliver on these local needs.

We must recognize that a ceasefire is not the same as peace. A ceasefire simply pauses the violence, while true peace requires building relationships, addressing the root causes of violence, and fostering lasting reconciliation. This is where long-term, locally-led peace initiatives can play a crucial role in bridging divides and rebuilding trust.

Victory in the Middle East will come in the form of lasting peace

The natural trajectory of war is to end, but the conflict will continue unless we commit to working toward a future grounded in peace. This will not happen on its own. It requires deliberate, sustained efforts to address trauma, reduce polarization, and invest in the future of young people. It requires the involvement of all sectors of society, including the prioritization of women, youth, and civil society actors.

The true victory in this conflict will not come from continued acts of war and military action but from enduring peace. Peace is always possible, even now. We must have the courage to believe in it and the determination to make it a reality. Only then can Israelis and Palestinians live with dignity, security, and hope for our shared future.

This article was co-authored by?Maya Savir, Israel Country Director & Huda Abuarqoub, Palestine Country Director.