A “MUD MAP” OF THE MIDDLE EAST by Ray Barraclough

Guest Contribution

Middle East Tensions: A "Mud Map" of Reflections

By Ray Barraclough [A Progressive Christian Voice (Australia) Inc.]

The following is simply a “mud map” of notes regarding several issues pertinent to the ongoing tension in the Middle East. From Australia’s geographical perspective, the region is far from our actual context of “national security”—a phrase often used to avoid rather than invite legitimate public awareness. This collection is meant to be a fragmented overview, not a coverage of every nook and cranny of this complex situation.

1. October 7, 2023

The world awoke to news of an unprovoked attack by Hamas armed fighters on innocent Israeli civilians. At least 1,200 civilians were killed and 251 hostages taken. There was understandable horror and outrage. Within Israel, concerns were immediately raised as to how such a catastrophic security breach occurred. Recently, the IDF released a report acknowledging they had misjudged militant intentions, fueling demands for a broader inquiry.

2. The Suffering in Gaza

Following the 7 October attack, Israel launched military operations, culminating in a full-scale invasion. A striking feature of this conflict is the disproportionate loss of life. While Hamas killed 1,200, estimates of Palestinians killed by the IDF have reached 48,000—two-thirds of whom are women and children. Thousands more likely remain unidentified beneath the rubble.

3. Reflections on the State of Israel

Israel is often described as the only Western-style democracy in the Middle East, holding regular elections since 1948. However, it is also a democracy that has maintained military oversight of outside territories for 57 years. Currently, operations in the West Bank have damaged infrastructure and restricted medical care, leaving conditions in several refugee camps nearly uninhabitable.

We must also remember that the taking of hostages revived the deep trauma of the Holocaust—where 6 million Jews were murdered by the Nazi regime. This history of persecution remains a vital context for understanding Jewish communities worldwide today.

4. The Hostage Crisis & Internal Division

Israelis remain deeply divided. Many prioritize the immediate release of hostages above all else, while others feel the government has prioritized political power and military destruction. There is significant dismay among many regarding the extent of civilian loss in Gaza.

5. Settlements & The Palestinian Authority

The continued building of settlements in occupied territory remains illegal under international law and a major point of friction. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority (PA), established by the 1993 Oslo Accords as an interim government, is seen by many Palestinians today as an administrator of the status quo rather than a path to an independent state.

6. Seeking a Two-State Solution

While the international community calls for a two-state solution, both the current right-wing Israeli government and Hamas stand in opposition. The Israeli Knesset recently passed motions opposing a Palestinian state, while Hamas remains committed to the removal of the State of Israel through its jihadist ideology.

On Language: When states or organizations terrorize communities through extensive bombing, we must ask how we define these actions. Whether labeled “Resistance Fighters,” “Patriots,” or “Terrorists,” both sides are driven by nationalist goals that result in staggering civilian costs.

7. International Perspectives

International players like Egypt and Saudi Arabia have made efforts toward reconciliation, though Saudi Arabia now maintains that conversations will only continue once a Palestinian state is established. Conversely, the Trump administration’s “real estate” view of Gaza has been criticized as a morally bankrupt conception that lacks empathy for human suffering.

1. Antony Loewenstein, The Palestine Laboratory (2023).
2. Source: unrwa.org
3. Institute for Middle East Understanding.

Editor’s Note: This article reflects the author’s personal views and interpretation of historical and current events. It is intended to inform and provoke thoughtful discussion. We strongly condemn antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. Readers are encouraged to approach the topic with sensitivity and consider multiple perspectives.

Ray Barraclough — March, 2025