War and Peace: A Delicate Balancing Act

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March 20, 2025 - This week, Hamas ended a temporary ceasefire with a barrage of rocket attacks on Israeli territory, an act of aggression that shattered a fragile calm. In response, Israel launched military operations targeting Hamas strongholds, including in Beit Lahia and Rafah. Civilian casualties have unfortunately risen, as is often the case when terrorist groups embed themselves within population centers, using civilians as shields. The loss of innocent lives is tragic, and it underscores the complexity of ensuring peace while holding violent actors accountable.

Terrorism Thrives Where Opportunity Dies

This conflict is a stark reminder of a deeper, global truth: where poverty and despair take root, extremism often follows. The situation in Gaza is not just a humanitarian concern, it’s a national security issue. Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services create the perfect storm for radical groups like Hamas to recruit, entrench themselves, and destabilize regions.

Long-term stability requires a foundation of economic opportunity. When people have no future to believe in, bad actors fill the void. The U.S. must continue to support efforts that promote self-reliance and economic development in ways that align with our values and strategic interests.

Aid with Accountability

Calls for unrestricted aid must be balanced with firm oversight. American taxpayers deserve to know that any assistance provided will not end up in the hands of terrorists or be used to prolong conflict. The U.S. should support efforts to provide humanitarian relief, particularly food, water, and medical aid, while working closely with allies like Israel to ensure aid reaches civilians, not militants.

I'm not advocating for blank checks or endless commitments. I'm advocating for smart, targeted aid that encourages stability, reduces long-term threats, and supports American allies and interests. In fact, development assistance, when properly targeted, can be a more cost-effective and powerful tool than prolonged military interventions.

A Call to Action

I urge Congress to ensure that U.S. policy reflects both compassion and caution. Strategic aid, oversight, and targeted investments in education and infrastructure can help create conditions where peace is possible and extremism has no place to grow.

The goal in complicated conflict like this should be working to promote and advance a future where security and opportunity defeat chaos and despair.

Source

To learn more about supporting U.S. foreign policy that advances humanitarian goals while improving national security and economic stability in the United States visit borgenproject.org.


Max Kurzweil is a junior at Muhlenberg College, class of 2027, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Business Administration. He previously served as a Political Affairs Intern and Ambassador for The Borgen Project, where he supported initiatives focused on poverty reduction and sustainable development as part of a balanced approach to American foreign policy and global engagement. He will begin serving as a Regional Director with The Borgen Project in January 2026.

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