Over 50,000 Casualties Underscore Complex Realities of Israel-Hamas Conflict, Journalist Isaac Saul Argues for Nuance

Following the devastating October 7, 2023, attacks, journalist Isaac Saul shared a comprehensive and deeply personal perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict via a widely circulated tweet on October 10, 2023. Saul, known for his non-partisan approach, aimed to transcend simplistic "pro-Israel" or "pro-Palestine" labels, advocating for a "radically honest" discussion of the deeply entrenched issues. His reflections emerged as the conflict rapidly escalated, leading to widespread casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Saul’s tweet explicitly rejected the notion that one must align with a single side, stating, > "being 'pro-Israel' or being 'pro-Palestine' or being a 'Zionist' does not properly capture the nuance of thought most people do or should have about this issue. It certainly doesn't capture mine." He drew on his personal experience of having lived in Israel and interacting with Israelis, Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians, emphasizing the exhaustion and pain felt by those directly affected.

The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly Israeli civilians, and the taking of around 250 hostages. Saul unequivocally condemned Hamas, asserting, > "I don’t believe Hamas is killing Israelis to liberate themselves, nor do I believe they are doing it to make peace. They're doing this because they want vengeance." He urged, "Not defending Hamas is a very low bar to clear. Please clear it."

In response to the attacks, Israel launched a comprehensive military operation in Gaza, including a total blockade. Web search results indicate that by June 2025, over 50,000 Palestinians had been killed, with a significant majority being women and children, and nearly two million people displaced within the densely populated territory. Saul critically observed, > "You cannot keep two million people living in the conditions people in Gaza are living in and expect peace. You can't. And you shouldn’t. Their environment is antithetical to the human condition. Violent rebellion is guaranteed."

Saul also delved into the historical complexities, acknowledging the Jewish people's legitimate historical claim to the land while also recognizing the Arab perspective on land acquisition through conflict. He lamented the cyclical nature of violence, stating, > "The cycle of violence seems locked in to self-perpetuate, because both sides see a score to settle: 1) Israel has already responded with a vengeance, and they will continue to. Their desire for violence is not unlike Hamas’s — it’s just as much about blood for blood as any legitimate security measure."

Ultimately, Saul's message underscored the tragic human cost and the urgent need for a solution that prioritizes civilian lives. He concluded by expressing his stance as "pro-not-killing-civilians," "pro-not-trapping-millions-of-people-in-open-air-prisons," and "pro-freedom and pro-peace," highlighting the profound difficulty of achieving these goals amidst the ongoing conflict.