The atrocities of Hamas in Israel on 10/7 certainly bare comparison with those in the United States on 9/11. Some form of retribution is justifiable and in reality inevitable.

The question is, will the scale and nature of the retribution bring a lasting solution to a the awful situation closer or will it push it further away.

Benjamin Netanyahu claims the Israeli response to the murder and abduction of its citizens will “change the Middle East”. The British Foreign Secretary might have pointed out we have tried that and it does not work.

Attempting to eliminate c30,000 Hamas fighters by starving 2.4m people of all services is likely to have all the long term success of the arbitrary, imperial line drawing of Sykes Picot.

The Middle East is a victory free zone. There are periods when those who impose greater losses on “the enemy” claim a win. But that is only a temporary “win” planting the seeds for bloody reprisals whether immediately or at some point in the medium term.

Neither side ever truly safe. Always living in fear and with a constant need for security.

Sadly, now is not a time when talk of peace or reconciliation will gain any traction. Realistic engagement will only be possible after much innocent blood has been shed. This should be a source of everlasting shame to all those involved, and that includes the imperial powers who lay the border foundations of this whole mess.

When the next moment of exhaustion provides some space there should be a determined efforts to support a locally negotiated, internationally brokered way forward with resources.

Until then, even we committed atheists can only pray actions on all sides over the next few weeks or months are constrained by some common humanity. I only hope the power of prayer is stronger than I expect it to be.