Relationship’s Wicked Problem
Introduction
My current take on the Israel-Gaza conflict is more than just a conflict. It is a wicked problem that is rooted within their history and their faith/religion. The Jewish are firmly rooted in Judaism while the Gaza (or the Palestinian) are strong in their faith as Muslims.
Most of my views are shaped by the media and my personal faith as a Christian. While so it are shaped my upbring as we learned about the relations and conflicts of the Israelis with its neighboring countries in the mid-east region.
Because of the background of Christianity that was originated from the Jews, my emotions, my values and identity is closely tight to the Israelis. This was done without weighing in any historical issues or current events that is taking place in that region. This just happened because of whom I believe in and the origin of my faith.
Bases and Origin of the Conflict
The histories of Jewish and Palestinian that shaped their relationships goes way back. When looking at these four dates generally: (a.) 1948 – the creation of Israel[1] and the Nakba[2], (b.) 1967 – The 6-day war and the Occupation of Gaza[3], (c.) 2008 – Hamas took control of Palestine, and (c.) 2023 – October 7 attacks[4], one could see the reasons for these tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinian. But the creation or the concept of the nation of Israel was conceived several decades ago in the 1800’s.
After the October 7th massacre, it seemed as if most of the world was in support of the perpetrators, but not the victims. It was so easily forgotten how grievous the acts were. There were protestors almost everywhere in major cities both in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Asian Countries.[5] Though this was Israels battle for survival, it seemed that it was not only against the eminent adversaries.
On the other hand, the Palestinians who claimed to be displaced (the Nakba)[6] who were descendants of Arab people that lives Palestine that encompassing the Present-day Israel.[7] The Hamas (the Islamic Resistance Force) – it is the Palestinian Islamist Political and militant organization started in the 1987 as a branch-out of Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza. It emerges as the fast-growing and more popular central force in Palestinian politics and armed resistance.[8] On October 7, 2023, “Hamas had carried out the deadliest-ever attack on Israel in a single day.” They have killed more than 1,200 people including children.[9]
Conclusion: What could a Leadership takeaway?
What would you say that it could be a leadership takeaway from this Israeli-Palestinian relation, or conflict? (based on what you have read and blogged). For one, I would say it is a wicked problem that will never yield any peaceful answer since it is faith-based, though it is not explicitly stated. Secondly, due to the geographic settings, Palestine is located within the nation of Israel. And as of today, Hamas is in control of Palestine, which does share the same interest as the PLO.[10]
[1] Howard M. Sachar, A History of Israel: From the Rise of Zionism to Our Time, 2nd ed. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2007), 305–10.
[2] Ilan Pappé, Ten Myths About Israel (London: Verso, 2017), 45–52.
[3] Michael B. Oren, Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002), 307–15.
[4] “October 7 Attack,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, accessed October 16, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/October-7-attack..
[5] Murray, Douglas. On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization (pp.). Harper Collins. Kindle.
[6] Ilan Pappé, 45–52.
[7] My Jewish Learning, “Who Are The Palestinians?,” My Jewish Learning, accessed October 16, 2025, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/who-are-the-palestinians/.
[8] PBS NewsHour, “What Is Hamas? What to Know About Its Origins, Leaders and Funding,” October 10, 2023, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-is-hamas-what-to-know-about-its-origins-leaders-and-funding.
[9] Milton-Edwards, Beverley; Farrell, Stephen. HAMAS: The Quest for Power (p. 33). Polity Press. Kindle Edition.
[10] United Nations, “History of the Question of Palestine,” UNISPAL, accessed October 16, 2025, https://www.un.org/unispal/history/.
About the Author
Noel Liemam
4 responses to “Relationship’s Wicked Problem”
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Dr. Liemam, yes, this is a wicked problem. It seems unsolvable, and, as you point out, it is faith-based, which makes it more “wicked.” What do you think might be a way to confront faith-based wicked problems, at least within your own context? How might Christians who care deeply about human flourishing begin to address such problems? (I don’t have an answer, per se. I’m curious about what you think!)
Hi Noel, I found it interesting that you remarked about the few people who came to Israel’s defense even after they were targeted. Why do you think that happened?
Hi Noel, Thank you for this. You made an excellent delineation. Have you found in your context that people have not made a clear distinction that not all pro-Palestine supporters are Hamas supporters?
Hi Noel,
Great post and I like the question that Daren posed, too. Do you think a two-state solution is the best option for peace given the circumstances?