Instead of war, wage peace

What is unclear about Article 33 of the Geneva Conventions?

"No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited. Pillage is prohibited. Reprisals against protected people and their property are prohibited." (protected person definition includes civilians not taking an active part in hostilities).

Coincidentally, the next article, Article 34, forbids the taking of hostages.

Put aside, for a moment, the hideous inhumanities dealt to the Jews and the Palestinians over the past days, weeks, years, decades, and in the case of Jews, centuries. Put aside, for a moment, the fears of how this situation may become worse, with an expanded war with tens of thousands more killed and no definable time or geographical boundaries. Instead, focus just on the suffering of today. Shout out your refusal to accept it as necessary or justified, shout out your demand that it end today. Then proceed to do everything you can to kill hate and wage peace here at home.

Ed Flaherty

Iowa City