As a tenuous ceasefire takes hold in the Israel-Hamas conflict, students and teachers of Montclair High School are joining a national conversation about the Israel-Palestinian conflict, offering views that reflect concern for Israel’s security and a growing call for peace. 

Recent developments in Gaza and Lebanon have started discussions throughout classrooms and hallways, with students and teachers expressing a range of opinions.

The issue is complex. 

“No one deserves to be harmed, but I understand where Israel is coming from,” Ilija Jackimoski, a ninth-grader, said. “Palestine has been in conflict with Israel for a long time, but the attacks on Oct. 7 were done by terrorists, not the majority of Palestinian people.”

Those interviewed understand Israel’s need to protect itself against Hamas. “Hamas should either return the hostages or we need to eradicate Hamas,” said one freshman, who grew up in Israel. “But we also need to stop the bombing of innocent civilians.” 

On Oct. 7, 2024, Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that controls Gaza, launched a surprise attack on Israel. Thousands of rockets were fired, and armed militants  infiltrated  Israeli towns near the Gaza border, killing over 1,400 civilians, and taking more than 200 hostages, including women, children, and elderly people. The assault, marked as one of the deadliest attacks on Israel in decades, shocked the nation and led to grief and anger. In response, Israel launched a powerful military campaign targeting Hamas in Gaza, marking the start of an intense war that has impacted civilians  on both sides and drawn international  calls for a cease fire.

Some expressed concern over how divided people are over the issue, both in school and online. “Does the average Palestinian  deserve to be killed, burned alive, maimed, displaced, or starved? No,” Mr. Hillhorst, an MHS English teacher, said.

Reflecting broader opinions in the Montclair community, many students and teachers are now hopeful that the current  ceasefire will hold  and that increased humanitarian  aid will continue to flow to Gaza. They argue that the bombings, which have led to the displacement of thousands and a humanitarian  crisis, will not lead to a long-term solution.