I’m juggling the disturbing news about impending airstrikes in Lebanon while also searching for my daughter’s magic wand. She’s hopeful it will help her transform an apple into a giant heart. I want to support her imagination, but I also wish to transform Bibi Netanyahu and Hezbollah’s recently appointed leader into innocent children. Imagine the possibilities for peace and understanding in such a world.

The United States and several other nations designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group. At the same time, some view them as heroes resisting Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestinian territories and protecting Lebanon from its enemy, Israel.

The reality is complex

Lebanon has the right to protect itself and its people. Hezbollah, which is part of the Lebanese political system, has committed itself since October 7 to support Hamas in the fight against Israel. The attacks on Israel, resumed by Hezbollah, resulted in Israel’s escalation of the conflict with Lebanon in September 2024.

World opinion, as well as opinion within Lebanon, is diverse. Internationally, some fully support Israel’s right to defend itself; locally, some fully support Hezbollah defending Lebanon and Palestine, and a big chunk want peace and consider Lebanon should not be part of the axis of resistance – through Hezbollah.

The problem is that the masses are unaware of deals happening under the table.

There are some facts, for sure. There is a history that only some agree to or interpret similarly. However, this situation is not black and white. Both sides have committed acts that could be considered criminal and unfair.

The answer is not straightforward, but if you ask a 7-year-old, they might simply express that both parties are criminals. Anyone – whether an individual, community, or nation – who kills, eradicates, and destroys a person or animal and contributes to global warming through their actions deserves to be labelled as such. There is no moral difference.

Israel is killing people, and Hezbollah is killing people. People being killed are on both sides of the fight. So, what differentiates Hezbollah from Israel? The distinction is straightforward: one side is wealthier, better connected, and friends with the strongest country in the world. Both own weapons, fight, kill, and plan to destroy and weaken each other. If you try to search for a unified definition of terrorism, you will find that there were several attempts to agree on one. However, definitions remain ambiguous and unclear, even with the United Nations definition.

Let’s believe the children, then. In September of this year, Israel intensified its conflict with Lebanon. Many argue that this situation should be considered a war rather than a conflict. It doesn’t matter which terminology we use; people are dying, others are displaced, women and girls are at high risk of violence and sexual harassment in shelters, public schools are closed, families lost their houses, youth lose their dreams, and children will have no prospects even if they dream of finding their magic wand, like my daughter. As of this writing, the war has led to the displacement of more than 1,300,000 people, as reported by the government and killed 2,672 since October 2023.

It’s heart-wrenching when violence invades your community and your nation – your friends and your fellow citizens are being killed. Yet, this doesn’t change the fact that all parties concerned – Hezbollah and Israel – are responsible for actions that perpetuate hatred and suffering.

What is needed is not humanitarian emergency response funds to Lebanon but a strategy, a plan, and efforts to stop this fight. The millions provided by foreign countries are only plaster solutions. Lebanon doesn’t need to depend further on foreign support.

Amid all this chaos, my daughter still hopes to find her magic wand to transform an apple into a heart. I wish she could transform Bibi Netanyahu and Hezbollah leaders into children. The world would be better – one filled with pink roses, colourful candies, delicious chocolate, fountains of smiles, and loud laughter.

Let’s remain objective and take no sides. Both Israel and Hezbollah have committed acts that can be seen as criminal, albeit at distinct levels. After sharing these thoughts, some might label me a traitor, while others may see me as a voice for peace. Ultimately, my deepest desire is for peace all over the world. I wish no harm upon any human being around the world. My dream is for the safety and happiness of my country and its people, particularly the children of Lebanon, who deserve a better education and a brighter future.

We are all controlled by the power of narrative that shapes our thoughts and lives. War and conflict, no matter their definition, lead to the killing and suffering of people. Isn’t this enough a reason to put an end to war and armed conflict, regardless of who the terrorist is?

To the victims of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, I apologise for the suffering, grief, and pain you have endured. I’m sorry that you are convinced by a narrative that shapes your lives without allowing for the understanding of others’ perspectives or the possibility of seeing the bigger picture – you have no hope or option. I mourn all the lives lost in this ongoing turmoil.

We are all paying a high price, but those who are losing their loved ones are suffering the most and must fight the narrative and call for peace – no shooting, no killing, no violence, and no wounds and blood. Let us be the children bringing hope, colourful dreams, and happiness.

No magic wand can do this; we must act and change our perspective – we should work for a different future for Lebanon.

If only kids governed the world, we would be better.