The Moral Clarity of Israel's Conflict with Hamas

In the wake of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military response in Gaza, there has been intense debate and confusion about the moral dimensions of this conflict. Douglas Murray's new book "War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason" provides crucial context and clarity on this issue, cutting through much of the misinformation and misguided moral equivalence that has clouded public discourse.

The Fundamental Asymmetry

At the heart of Murray's analysis is the recognition of a fundamental asymmetry between Israel and Hamas:

• Hamas deliberately targets civilians, including women and children, for murder, rape, and kidnapping. Israel goes to extraordinary lengths to minimize civilian casualties, often at great risk to its own soldiers.

• Hamas uses its own civilian population as human shields, storing weapons in schools and hospitals. Israel warns civilians to evacuate areas before strikes.

• Hamas celebrates the killing of Israeli civilians. Israelis mourn the loss of Palestinian civilian life as an unfortunate necessity of defending themselves.

• Hamas' stated goal is the destruction of Israel and genocide of Jews. Israel seeks only to defend itself and its citizens.

This asymmetry extends to how each side treats hostages and prisoners:

• Hamas takes civilian hostages, including children and the elderly, and subjects them to torture and deprivation.
• Israel takes only combatants as prisoners and treats them in accordance with international law.
• Hamas uses hostages for propaganda, filming them under duress. Israel respects the privacy and dignity of prisoners.

These stark differences make it clear which side holds the moral high ground in this conflict. As Murray argues, to draw an equivalence between the two sides or to blame Israel for Hamas' actions is a profound moral failure.

The Challenge of Fighting a Death Cult

One of the most disturbing aspects of Hamas that Murray highlights is its embrace of death - both the death of Israelis and the death of Palestinians. Hamas leaders have openly stated that they "love death more than [Israelis] love life" and see the death of Palestinian civilians as a propaganda victory.

This death cult mentality poses unique challenges for Israel and other Western democracies:

• How do you deter an enemy that welcomes martyrdom?
• How do you minimize civilian casualties when your opponent actively seeks to maximize them?
• How do you negotiate with those who see compromise as weakness?

Murray argues that many in the West fail to grasp the reality of this ideology, naively believing that if only Israel made more concessions, peace would be possible. But as the failure of past peace initiatives has shown, no amount of Israeli compromise will satisfy an enemy committed to its total destruction.

The Broader Conflict with Jihadism

While focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Murray places this in the context of a broader civilizational struggle between Western liberal democracy and jihadist ideology. He draws parallels between Hamas and other Islamist groups like ISIS, noting their shared contempt for human life and rejection of pluralism and individual liberty.

This framing helps explain why Israel's fight against Hamas has implications far beyond its borders. A Hamas victory would embolden jihadists worldwide, while an Israeli defeat of Hamas would be a significant blow to the global jihadist movement.

Murray argues that Western nations must recognize they have a stake in this conflict and support Israel accordingly. Failure to do so, he warns, will only invite further jihadist aggression against Western targets in the future.

The Hostage Dilemma

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of the current conflict is the plight of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Murray explores the agonizing dilemma Israel faces in trying to secure their release:

• There is immense public pressure to bring the hostages home at any cost.
• But past hostage exchanges have led to the release of terrorists who went on to kill more Israelis.
• Every concession to Hamas incentivizes further hostage-taking in the future.

Murray doesn't offer easy answers, but he emphasizes that this is a deliberately cruel tactic by Hamas designed to torture Israeli society. He argues that ultimately, military pressure on Hamas is likely to be more effective in securing hostage releases than negotiations alone.

The Failure of Expertise and Institutions

A recurring theme in Murray's work is the failure of Western elites and institutions to grapple honestly with the challenge of jihadism. He is particularly critical of academics, journalists, and politicians who:

• Draw false equivalences between Hamas and Israel
• Downplay or excuse Hamas atrocities
• Blame Israel for Palestinian suffering while ignoring Hamas' role
• Fail to recognize the religious and ideological motivations of Hamas

This intellectual and moral failure, Murray argues, leaves Western societies vulnerable and confused in the face of jihadist aggression. He calls for a renewal of moral clarity and courage among Western leaders and institutions.

The Importance of Bearing Witness

One of the most powerful aspects of Murray's book is his firsthand reporting from Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. He describes in harrowing detail the scenes of devastation and the testimony of survivors. This bearing witness serves several crucial purposes:

• It honors the victims and ensures their stories are not forgotten
• It provides an unvarnished account of Hamas' brutality, countering attempts to downplay or deny their atrocities
• It makes viscerally clear the stakes of this conflict and why Israel's response is justified

Murray argues that this kind of clear-eyed, morally serious journalism is essential to combat the misinformation and moral confusion surrounding the conflict.

The Need for Moral Clarity

Ultimately, Murray's book is a call for moral clarity in the face of evil. He argues that the West's inability to clearly distinguish between the actions of Israel and Hamas, between those defending liberal democracy and those seeking to destroy it, is a dangerous moral and strategic failure.

This clarity does not mean ignoring complexity or nuance. Murray acknowledges the suffering of Palestinian civilians and the legitimate grievances they may have. But he insists that we must be able to clearly state that Hamas is in the wrong, that its actions are evil, and that Israel has every right to defend itself.

Without this moral clarity, Murray warns, the West will find itself increasingly unable to defend its values and its citizens against those who seek to destroy them. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is, in this view, not just a regional dispute but a front line in a broader struggle for the future of liberal democracy and human rights.

Conclusion

Douglas Murray's "War on the West" provides a powerful and necessary corrective to much of the confused and misguided commentary surrounding Israel's conflict with Hamas. By clearly delineating the moral chasm between the two sides and placing the conflict in its broader civilizational context, Murray offers a framework for understanding this complex issue with the moral seriousness it demands.

While critics may accuse Murray of oversimplification, his core argument is difficult to refute: a liberal democracy fighting to defend its citizens against a terrorist organization that openly seeks its destruction is not morally equivalent to that terrorist organization. Until this basic moral clarity is widely accepted, crafting effective policies to combat jihadism and defend Western values will remain challenging.

As the conflict in Gaza continues and debates rage about Israel's military tactics and the future of the region, Murray's book serves as an essential reminder of the fundamental moral stakes involved. It is a call to conscience for Western leaders and citizens alike to stand firmly on the side of democracy, human rights, and civilization in the face of those who would destroy them all.

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