The power dynamic is clearly asymmetric. From a military standpoint, Israel’s capabilities far surpass those of the Palestinians. But that’s only part of the story. Israel doesn’t exist in isolation. As Bill Clinton once said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” If Israel continues its offensive in Gaza with a level of destruction resembling Dresden, the result could be disastrous in the long run. They risk becoming a pariah state in the region, which would severely impact trade, tourism, and overall economic success. Any viable solution will require consensus with influential Islamic states like Turkey, Egypt, and the Gulf countries, along with the backing of global powers like the United States and China. Ultimately, both sides need to recognize the other’s right to exist—anything less is a waste of time.

Hamas must be dismantled because it doesn’t acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, just as Netanyahu must be removed for supporting settlers who refuse to share the land with Palestinians. Conflicts like this are not unprecedented or unique. The Catholic-Protestant wars that spanned centuries caused immense suffering and loss, but they were eventually resolved when the cost of continuing became unbearable for all involved. This dynamic persisted into the 20th century with the English-Irish conflict as well.