Beyond war: Why the Middle East needs courage, dialogue, and reconciliation - opinion

In an opinion piece, Khalil El-Halabi, a 44-year UNRWA veteran, appeals for wisdom and dialogue in the Middle East, urging Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese leaders to pursue peace over war. He argues that military victories do not resolve deeper wounds and that lasting security requires political courage and mutual recognition. He emphasizes the interconnected aspirations of families in the region for safety, dignity, and a future free from destruction.

In this opinion piece, Khalil El-Halabi, who has worked for 44 years at UNRWA, appeals for wisdom and dialogue in the Middle East. He writes from Gaza, where war has reshaped daily life, and poses a question to all humanity: 'Where is the voice of wisdom?' He argues that the region has measured time by wars and funerals, and that military victories rarely resolve the deeper wounds fueling conflict. He calls on Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese leaders to demonstrate courage by ending wars and protecting innocent lives. He emphasizes that Israeli families deserve to live without fear of rockets, Palestinian families deserve dignity and hope, and Lebanese families deserve a future free from destruction. He urges leaders to listen to ordinary people who want the war to end. The piece is a plea for dialogue, reconciliation, and a different legacy for the region.