The Middle East needs a different answer to the failures exposed by October 7

The third anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on Israel has passed, leaving families of the victims and displaced Palestinians to grapple with enduring suffering. The Israeli offensive in Gaza resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians, along with widespread injury and displacement. However, it's crucial to remember that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict predates October 7.

The militant surge signaled a deep rift, but it also catalyzed a series of events that have plagued the region for years. The attacks shocked Israel's sense of security and exposed the flawed belief that the Israeli-Palestinian situation could be managed rather than resolved. This fateful day led to Israeli retaliation, which left Gaza's Palestinians vulnerable and contributed to the rise of nationalist elements within Israel.

The response to October 7 has since extended beyond Gaza. Israel has engaged in military action against targets linked to Iran and its allies across Lebanon, Syria, and Iran itself, as well as attacking Hamas figures in Qatar. While Hamas's actions against civilians cannot be overlooked, perpetual security cannot justify an endless war.

Three years of conflict have only expanded the violence's reach, demonstrating that military action alone cannot bring lasting security. Indeed, the geography of the violence has shifted, illustrating that the old assumptions about the Palestinian question and Israeli occupation were incorrect. To achieve regional stability, the occupation must end, and the Palestinian question must be addressed.

Real security requires political arrangements, not endless displays of military might. The upcoming Israeli election presents an opportunity for the nation to contemplate a genuine path towards security for all. Instead of focusing solely on how to prevent another October 7, the emphasis should be on what a secure Israel might look like in the long term.

This path leads to political negotiations rather than perpetual warfare. Simultaneously, Palestinian elections have become increasingly vital. Remembering the victims of October 7 is essential, but it should also motivate us to reject the notion that the ensuing suffering is unavoidable. The Middle East requires a different answer to the failures exposed on that tragic day: a political future where security and Palestinian self-determination are no longer seen as opposing goals.