This is a photograph of a computer image from AP News on the conflict in Gaza.

More than 10,000 children have tragically lost their lives due to the ceasefires in Gaza; most Morton East students are calling for a ceasefire.

Among them, 10,000 will never experience the simple joy of returning to school or running into their parents’ arms. These innocent lives bear no responsibility for the turmoil within their own homes. With homes and healthcare facilities under attack, accessing medical assistance has become increasingly difficult. Schools have been forced to shut down; after all, what is a school without its students?

In a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 90 students agreed that there should be a ceasefire and 10 disagreed there shouldn’t be one.

Morton East’s literacy coach, Ms. Sophia Smith, cleared some of the history surrounding the conflict.

History’s conflict between Israel and Palestine goes back to October 7th, 2023; however, this issue leads all back to WWI when Britain had pledged to establish a national home for the Jewish people. Before Israel’s establishment in 1948, over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly removed from their homes in what became known as the “Nakba” or catastrophe. Despite numerous efforts by world leaders, peace in the region remains elusive. Palestine has yet to attain recognition as an independent nation. Most individuals from both Israeli and Palestinian communities advocate for peaceful coexistence through a two-state solution. However, political complexities have hindered the achievement of a lasting resolution this far.

According to a Reuters news story that ran this week, the US vetoed a resolution by the United Nations that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but called for a temporary ceasefire instead.  Some members of the United Nations are criticizing the US for taking this position.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the ceasefire?

“It’s difficult for me to answer this question without simply saying- we MUST support a ceasefire. There are no advantages to continuing this slaughter,” says Ms. Sophia Smith.

Unfortunately, discrimination and hate exist in our society.

“As a Muslim American, I know what it feels like to face racism and hate because of my religion,” says Ms. Sophia Smith.

Although English teacher Ms. Alleana Austin does not have family in Israel, so much of the news around the conflict includes talk about the rising hate that Jews and Muslims have faced because of this conflict. The unwilling victims are all the civilians in the region who have faced suffering and death in this war. Jews and Muslims in the United States are also often unwilling victims: they have faced increasing hate and discrimination because of a conflict that they have no control over. Ms. Austin thinks there is often a temptation to assume Jews are 100% strongly pro-Israel and says there are Jews who feel that way. Ms. Austin also knows Jews who are just as strongly pro-Palestinian, and many Jews who fall somewhere in between, or don’t know how to feel at all. The one common denominator Ms. Austin has heard with everyone in her community that she’s talked to is a strong support for lasting peace.

“It’s been difficult for me to read coverage of the conflict without feeling anxious and scared. I try to stay informed about the basics, but it’s been very difficult,” says Ms. Alleana Austin.

Many people have different opinions on this issue.

“The one thing I most want people to understand is that there is no one Jewish opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Ms, Austin said.

In a Reuters story that ran this week:  “the United States … again vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, blocking a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes the 15-member body to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.”