The Psychology and Futility of Violence: A Call for Global Accountability in the Gaza Israel Conflict

Violence is a vicious cycle—once it starts, it perpetuates, becoming self-sustaining. From a psychological standpoint, this is especially true in large-scale wars like the Gaza-Israel conflict. Today, as violence spreads beyond Gaza to neighbouring Lebanon, the risk of escalation into a wider regional or even global conflict looms large. The stakes are higher than ever, with other Arab nations like Iran and superpowers such as Russia and China watching closely, ready to intervene if the conflict spills over.

As psychologists, we understand how cycles of violence breed further aggression but also how misinformation, fear-mongering, and distorted narratives can worsen tensions. To break this cycle, it is crucial to address the root causes and dispel harmful myths—including the misuse of terms like "anti-Semitism" to suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli actions.

A large group of people peacefully protesting, with signs promoting peace and justice. A young girl holds her hand in the air, gesturing a peace sign, symbolising hope and unity in the face of conflict. The atmosphere is calm yet powerful, capturing the collective desire for positive change, world harmony and solidarity.

Violence Begets Violence: The Psychological Escalation of Conflict

Psychological studies have consistently shown that when people experience violence, their instinctual response is often retaliatory. In the case of the Gaza conflict, Israel's bombings of civilian areas and Gaza’s retaliatory rocket fire create a feedback loop of violence, with each act justified as a response to the last. However, as the conflict spreads into Lebanon, the risks escalate exponentially.

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has already launched attacks on Israeli forces, and the potential for Iran to intervene on behalf of its allies creates a dangerous situation where a regional conflict could spiral into global warfare.

The intervention of superpowers like Russia and China cannot be ruled out, mainly as both nations have vested interests in the Middle East. Russia’s involvement in Syria and China’s growing influence in global geopolitics make the conflict a potential flashpoint for a broader international struggle. Psychologically, the more players enter the fray, the more difficult it becomes to negotiate peace, as each new participant brings their motivations, traumas, and grievances.

Media Bias in the Gaza Israel Conflict and the Weaponization of "Anti-Semitism"

One of the most insidious factors perpetuating this conflict is the manipulation of narratives around it. In many Western countries, any criticism of Israel’s actions is immediately labelled as anti-Semitic. This tactic, from a psychological perspective, is a smoke-and-mirrors approach designed to deflect attention from the real issues—namely, the humanitarian crisis and violations of international law occurring in Gaza.

Psychologically, labelling critics as anti-Semitic when they are calling out Israel’s military aggression creates a chilling effect on free speech. It triggers cognitive dissonance, a psychological state of discomfort, where people feel compelled to silence themselves rather than be wrongly branded as bigots. This undermines open discourse, limiting people’s ability to express legitimate concerns and creating an atmosphere where only one narrative can thrive—the one that supports Israel’s actions. The misuse of “anti-Semitism” in this way weaponizes the term, distorting its true meaning and making it harder to recognise actual instances of anti-Semitism.

The Role of Empathy and the Danger of Minority Influence

Western governments have often allowed themselves to be influenced by powerful minority groups, particularly those with wealth, power, and political sway, rather than taking a stance based on humanitarian principles. As a psychologist, the lack of empathy for marginalised groups—such as Palestinians—is both disturbing and counterproductive. Injustice, when left unchecked, leads to deep-seated resentment, and this resentment can spark further violence. When people are stripped of their voice and feel powerless, they may resort to violence in a desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of agency and control over their lives.

Governments in the West should empathise with migrants and individuals from all countries, especially those who have fled war-torn regions like Gaza. However, the influence of wealthy, well-connected minority groups—such as the pro-Israel lobby in many Western nations—often skews foreign policy decisions. While representing a portion of the population, these groups disproportionately affect policy, overshadowing the needs and voices of less powerful groups.

Psychologically, this creates a hierarchy of empathy. When some lives are valued more than others based on political influence or religious alignment, it sends a message that human rights are conditional—depending on who you are and where you come from. In doing so, the West is not only ignoring the suffering of Palestinians but also allowing extremist narratives to thrive, both in the Middle East and within its borders.

The Suppression of Free Speech and Protest

In any democratic society, free speech and the right to protest are fundamental rights. Yet, across the Western world, we are seeing a troubling trend where criticism of Israel is met with severe backlash, often equated with anti-Semitism. This conflation stifles public discourse, preventing people from voicing valid concerns about war crimes, the killing, maiming and traumatisation of children, and the broader human rights abuses happening in Gaza. The fear of being branded anti-Semitic is an attempt to silence those who object to the violence, allowing it to continue unchecked.

From a psychological viewpoint, the suppression of free speech leads to a buildup of frustration, anger, and helplessness. When people feel they cannot speak out against injustice, these emotions fester, often manifesting as public unrest or violence. If governments act justly and openly, people would not feel the need to cry out in protest. The growing global protests against Israel’s actions are not a reflection of anti-Semitism but rather a collective outcry against violence and injustice and the right for people worldwide to be safe from harm.

When free speech is suppressed, it weakens the democratic principles that Western governments claim to uphold. Worse, it creates a cognitive dissonance between democracy's values and the reality of its policies. This cognitive dissonance harms both individuals and society as a whole, eroding trust in the political system and fostering resentment.

Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Global Accountability

To truly break the cycle of violence, world leaders must take a principled stand based on integrity, empathy, and justice. Condemning violence, no matter who commits it is the first step. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions, just as it would any other nation accused of war crimes. Netanyahu's military campaign to date has killed more than 16,456 children and maimed more than 34,000. Before this current conflict started, a 2020 study found that 53.5% of children already suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Not to mention the impact on and displacement of thousands of adult civilians and the destruction of essential infrastructure. These actions are not justifiable by any moral or legal standard. They are simply war crimes. In April 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip and demanding a halt to all arms sales to the country.

At the same time, criticism of Israel’s actions should not be conflated with anti-Semitism. It is possible, indeed necessary, to denounce the policies of a government without demonising its people. Psychologically, recognising this distinction is crucial in fostering open dialogue and preventing further violence.

Lastly, the West must adopt a more balanced approach to foreign policy, one that powerful minority groups do not unduly influence. Empathy should extend to everyone regardless of nationality, religion, or economic status. By prioritising human rights and justice over political expediency, the international community can begin to dismantle the structures that allow violence to thrive.

Conclusion: Violence Is Never the Answer

The escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon is a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked aggression. From a psychological perspective, empathy, accountability, and justice are the only ways to break this cycle. Western governments must stop turning a blind eye to Israel’s war crimes and recognise the profound suffering of the Palestinian people. At the same time, upholding free speech and the right to protest is crucial, as these are the cornerstone of any functioning democracy.

As the conflict threatens to spread beyond the Middle East, with the potential involvement of nations like Iran, Russia, and China, the stakes have never been higher. Now, more than ever, the world needs a global order that stands for peace, unity, and the protection of civilians. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of violence and build a future grounded in justice and compassion.

This conflict transcends borders, for it is not merely a war on Palestinians or Lebanese; it is a war on humanity, human rights, and the very foundation of world peace. This current world crisis should be everyone's concern. We have a responsibility to take a stand—to ensure our democratic voice holds our representatives accountable, urging them to act with frankness and fearlessness in upholding the values that a true Western democracy must champion.

If you have been personally affected by these world events and are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or trauma, please know that you are not alone. At iflow Psychology, we offer support and guidance during these challenging times. We understand the emotional toll that global conflicts can take on your mental health, and we are committed to providing a safe, compassionate space to help you navigate your feelings and find ways to cope.