TLT: Your book, “Israel-Palestine War — Give Peace A Chance” tackles a complex & longstanding conflict. What inspired you to write about this subject and how does your diverse background in the military, corporate world, and education inform your perspective on it?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

Writing Israel-Palestine War — Give Peace A Chance was inspired by my deep concern for the prolonged suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians and my belief that peace is not only possible but necessary for the stability of the entire region.

My background in the military allows me to understand the human cost of war and the importance of security, which is at the heart of both Israeli and Palestinian concerns. The military experience has also given me a profound respect for the value of peace and the sacrifices needed to achieve it, which I hope will resonate with the audience.

On the Corporate side, I’ve learned that effective negotiations, compromise, and clear communication are often the key to resolving seemingly insurmountable issues. Corporate diplomacy is about building relationships, understanding different viewpoints, and finding win-win solutions, which is precisely what is needed in the Israel-Palestine peace process.

Finally, by educating people about each other’s history, culture, and experiences, we can break down the walls of ignorance that fuel the conflict. Through my writing, I aim to encourage empathy, foster dialogue, and provide a platform for fresh ideas that can help move both sides closer to peace. I believe that peace in the region is not only a possibility but an imperative that demands effort, understanding, and, above all, a willingness to compromise for the greater good.

TLT: The title of your book is a call for peace. In what ways do you believe this book can contribute to building a foundation for reconciliation in the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

The title Israel-Palestine War — Give Peace A Chance is indeed a call to action, urging both sides and the international community to reconsider their approach to the conflict and to focus on building a path toward reconciliation. I believe this book can contribute to laying the groundwork for reconciliation in several key ways:

• Fostering Empathy and Understanding
• Offering Practical Solutions and Alternatives
• Challenging the Cycle of Violence
• Bridging Gaps through Dialogue
• Encouraging Global Involvement and Solidarity
• Inspiring a New Generation

Finally, I believe the book can inspire younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who may feel disconnected from the historical context of the conflict. They can play a crucial role in changing the narrative, advocating for coexistence, and moving away from violence and vengeance.

TLT: You have navigated multiple fields, from the war room to the boardroom to the classroom. How do these different roles shape your approach to discussing complex issues like international conflict and diplomacy?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas: This multidisciplinary approach allows me to discuss international conflicts with a balanced view, recognizing both the immediate realities and the long-term goals of peace and stability. Each role has instilled specific values and insights that shape my approach;

Military Experience: Being part of the military involves direct exposure to the realities of conflict, decision-making under pressure, and the value of discipline and resilience. This background has taught me the high stakes of war and peace and the profound consequences decisions can have on individuals, communities, and nations.

Corporate Leadership: Working in the corporate world, particularly in leadership positions, has reinforced the value of negotiation, resource management, and building partnerships. This experience has taught me how to engage stakeholders with differing priorities and to seek collaborative solutions that create value for all parties involved—skills directly applicable to the realm of diplomacy.

Educational Advocacy: As an educator and advocate, I see the importance of informed dialogue, critical thinking, and the power of knowledge. Educating others involves presenting balanced perspectives, encouraging open-mindedness, and fostering empathy.

TLT: The book covers the Israel-Palestine conflict from its roots in the Balfour Declaration to recent events in October 2023. What do you feel are the most critical historical moments that shaped the trajectory of this conflict?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

The Israel-Palestine conflict has a complex history with several pivotal moments that have shaped its trajectory. Some of the most critical historical events include:

1. The Balfour Declaration (1917): This British statement supported the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire. It set the stage for Jewish immigration to Palestine and the tensions between the Jewish and Arab communities, who saw this as a threat to their homeland.
2. The United Nations Partition Plan (1947): Following World War II and the Holocaust, international pressure mounted to find a solution for displaced Jewish people. The UN proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 after Israel declared independence.
3. The Nakba (1948): Known as “the catastrophe” in Arabic, this refers to the mass displacement of around 700,000 Palestinian Arabs following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This event created a large refugee population and deepened the animosity between the Jewish and Palestinian communities.
4. The Six-Day War (1967): Israel’s victory in this war against neighboring Arab states resulted in its control over the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The occupation of these territories continues to be one of the most contentious issues in the conflict, especially regarding settlements and the rights of Palestinians in these areas.
5. The Oslo Accords (1993): These agreements marked the first direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). While it led to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and gave Palestinians limited self-governance, it fell short of resolving core issues like borders, the status of Jerusalem, and Palestinian refugees.
6. The Second Intifada (2000-2005): This Palestinian uprising was marked by intense violence on both sides, including military actions by Israel and suicide bombings by Palestinians. It ended the momentum of the peace process and entrenched both communities further in a cycle of violence and distrust.
7. The Gaza Blockade and Hamas Control (2007): Following the takeover of Gaza by Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by Israel and others, Israel imposed a blockade on the territory, severely impacting the lives of Gazans. The periodic conflicts between Israel and Hamas, alongside humanitarian crises, have added layers of complexity to peace efforts.
8. The Abraham Accords (2020): This normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations marked a shift in regional dynamics. While it represented a move toward broader acceptance of Israel in the Middle East, it did not address the core Israel-Palestine conflict, leading some Palestinians to feel isolated in their struggle.
9. October 2023 Events: The recent surge in violence, likely related to longstanding grievances, geopolitical shifts, and the failures of past peace processes, has again highlighted the fragility of the region and the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.

Each of these moments has contributed to the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that characterize the Israel-Palestine conflict today. A thorough understanding of these events is essential to grasp the challenges facing peace and reconciliation efforts.

TLT: With media playing a major role in shaping perceptions, what are your thoughts on how the Israel-Palestine conflict is portrayed, and how does your book attempt to address or balance these portrayals?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas: The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most reported and polarizing issues globally, and media portrayal has a significant impact on how it is perceived. Coverage often varies based on regional, cultural, and political biases, which can either humanize or demonize one side, depending on the perspective. Some outlets emphasize Israel’s security concerns, highlighting terrorist attacks and Hamas’s role, while others focus on the humanitarian issues faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. The resulting narratives can create echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing beliefs without offering a balanced view.

In my book, Israel-Palestine War, I aim to present a balanced perspective by focusing on the historical context, the complex socio-political realities, and the personal stories that reflect the human side of the conflict on both ends. I attempt to cut through the often sensationalized portrayals by drawing on factual accounts, historical milestones, and objective analysis to give readers a more nuanced understanding.

The goal is not to take sides but to foster a sense of empathy and a call for peace by presenting the challenges each side faces. By highlighting both Israeli and Palestinian experiences, I hope to bridge some of the divides in perception and encourage readers to consider perspectives beyond what is commonly shown in mainstream media.

TLT: You delve into the environmental and health impacts of the conflict, such as water scarcity and contamination. Why do you feel it’s essential to highlight these often-overlooked aspects of war?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

Highlighting the environmental and health impacts of the Israel-Palestine conflict is essential because these issues reveal the profound, long-term consequences of war beyond the immediate loss of life and property. Water scarcity, contamination, soil degradation, and air pollution are not just side effects; they deeply affect the daily lives, health, and future of the populations involved, especially the most vulnerable.

For instance, water scarcity has long been a point of tension in the region. Access to clean water is limited, with infrastructure damage from conflict further reducing water availability and exacerbating contamination risks. Polluted water sources can lead to outbreaks of disease, malnutrition, and a general decline in health, disproportionately affecting children and the elderly. Similarly, contamination from explosives and military waste affects soil and air quality, which impacts agriculture and food security—critical factors for a population under economic and logistical strain.

By focusing on these often-overlooked aspects, I hope to foster a broader understanding of the stakes involved in the conflict, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable peace efforts that consider not only political and territorial issues but also the basic human right to a safe and healthy environment. This approach can inspire readers to think of peace not only as the absence of war but as a foundation for well-being and resilience for future generations on both sides.

TLT: Drawing from your military experience, what unique insights do you bring to your analysis of the conflict’s military strategies and how they impact both nations?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

My military background offers a unique perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict’s military strategies and their broader impacts. Having been part of complex operations and humanitarian missions, I’ve seen how the tactics and strategies employed in warfare can have profound effects, not only on the battlefield but also on civilian life and long-term stability.

One key insight I bring is the understanding of the asymmetric nature of warfare, where there’s a power imbalance between two sides, often leading to non-traditional strategies like guerrilla tactics, urban warfare, and prolonged sieges. In the case of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel’s military superiority leads to conventional dominance, while Palestinian factions often employ irregular warfare tactics. These strategies lead to significant collateral damage, affecting civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and homes, which are sometimes used as tactical cover or face incidental harm during operations.

Another insight comes from understanding the psychological impact on both soldiers and civilians. Prolonged conflict without a clear resolution creates a cycle of trauma and fear, fuelling animosity and making peace efforts even harder. Military engagements that fail to account for the human dimension can deepen resentment and leave scars that last for generations, reinforcing cycles of retaliation rather than resolution.

My experience also underscores the importance of rules of engagement and ethical considerations in conflict zones. Decisions on whether to strike and how to minimize civilian casualties, are crucial yet often overlooked aspects in public discourse on military strategy.

Lastly, my exposure to peacekeeping missions provides me with a lens to analyze the conflict’s broader geopolitical implications. External players often provide aid, weaponry, and political support, complicating local dynamics and making sustainable peace more challenging.

TLT: The book explores the human toll of war. Could you share a story or insight from your research that particularly moved you or shifted your perspective on the conflict?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

While researching the Israel-Palestine War, one story that deeply moved me was of a young Palestinian boy from Gaza who, despite living amidst frequent bombings, expressed his dream of becoming a doctor to help his community. His school had been partially destroyed, and his family faced extreme hardships daily due to blockades and limited access to essentials like water and electricity. Yet, his resilience and hope were unwavering; he spoke about wanting to bring healing, even in a place where peace seems so distant.

This story highlighted for me the strength of the human spirit and the universal longing for normalcy and purpose, even in conflict zones. It shifted my perspective on the conflict, reminding me that amid geopolitical struggles, there are countless individuals—especially children—whose lives are shaped by forces far beyond their control. They endure hardships yet still harbor dreams and a desire for peace.

It’s a call to readers to see beyond the headlines and to understand that peace is not just a diplomatic outcome but a fundamental human right that everyone deserves.

TLT: As an author who has written on various international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Taliban, what similarities and differences did you observe when examining the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

Examining the Israel-Palestine conflict alongside other international issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan reveals both shared themes and stark differences.

One similarity is the deep-rooted historical grievances and complex national identities driving these conflicts. Just as Ukraine and Russia have long-standing historical and cultural ties, Israel and Palestine are both connected to the same land, with each side possessing deep-seated religious, cultural, and historical claims.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s resurgence also taps into decades of internal strife and resistance against external influences, mirroring how both Israelis and Palestinians have struggled against perceived external pressures or occupations.

A major difference lies in the international responses to these conflicts. The Israel-Palestine issue, for example, is often viewed through a unique lens due to its religious significance to three major world religions, drawing attention and polarizing opinions globally. In contrast, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has reignited tensions reminiscent of the Cold War, with clear divisions between Western and Eastern powers. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s conflict is largely seen as an internal issue with international repercussions, especially in terms of global security and terrorism.

Another key difference is in each conflict’s impact on civilians and surrounding countries. In Israel-Palestine, civilians frequently endure intense violence in densely populated areas, with limited means to escape. This mirrors aspects of the conflict in Ukraine, where civilian areas have also become battlegrounds. However, in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s control impacts civilian life in different ways, including the enforcement of strict laws and restrictions that alter daily life.

TLT: Finally, what do you see as the biggest obstacle to peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict today, and what solutions or compromises do you propose in your book?

Dr. Joseph K. Thomas:

The biggest obstacle to peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict today is the deep-seated distrust and animosity between the two sides, compounded by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and competing national identities. Both Palestinians and Israelis have legitimate aspirations for self-determination, security, and recognition, but these goals often come into direct conflict with each other.

In my book, I explore several potential solutions or compromises that could help create a path toward peace:

1. Two-State Solution: Despite its challenges, the two-state solution remains a widely discussed framework. This would involve the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with clearly defined borders. However, for this to work, there needs to be mutual recognition and a guarantee of security for both sides. Efforts to revive negotiations around this solution need to address concerns about the status of Jerusalem, borders, refugees, and settlements.
2. International Mediation and Support: The involvement of neutral international mediators could help facilitate dialogue between the two sides. This would include support from global powers like the United States, the European Union, and regional actors who influence the Middle East. A multilateral approach could ensure that both sides are held accountable to international law and agreements.
3. People-to-People Dialogue: It’s critical to foster grassroots efforts that promote dialogue and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. These initiatives could focus on shared interests, such as economic development, education, and cultural exchange. While political leadership often struggles to find common ground, people on both sides can work together toward a peaceful coexistence.
4. A New Narrative: Both sides have narratives that justify their actions and claims to the land, but these narratives have been steeped in a history of violence and conflict. A new narrative based on empathy, mutual respect, and an acknowledgment of each other’s suffering can help build a foundation for reconciliation.
5. Economic Cooperation: Economic development and cooperation can provide a platform for peace. By improving the living standards of Palestinians and creating interdependencies between the two peoples, the conflict could be reframed from a zero-sum game to a win-win situation. Joint infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and shared resources could foster cooperation and reduce tensions.

Ultimately, the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict requires political will, a commitment to peace from both sides and a willingness to make difficult compromises. The solution will not come overnight, but by addressing both immediate needs and long-term aspirations, there is a potential for a more peaceful future.