Both of the following statements are true:

That is not to suggest moral equivalency, nor to judge who is guilty of what. Rather, it is to argue that it is more critical than it has ever been that this tragedy should beget a new effort to create sustainable peace and prosperity for Palestinians as well as for Israelis.

But, if peace wasn’t possible before October 7, how likely is it that the horrors of the past six months have improved prospects? Not surprisingly, hatred and shock not understanding and goodwill are the order of the day in both societies. And, haven’t the endless efforts over the past 75 years long since exhausted all imaginable diplomatic possibilities? Who has the moral standing, never mind the agency, to construct a solution? For that matter, who would speak for the Palestinians if any negotiation could be launched?

Nabil Fahmy, former Egyptian foreign minister and career diplomat who has spent his professional life working on these issues, doesn’t claim to have answers. But he deeply believes that failing to try to find them would condemn his region to a worsening cycle of violence—with consequences that could be far worse than what we have witnessed since October.

Listen as Minister Fahmy discusses not only why, but how a different future might be possible.

Tell us what you think: Can you imagine a world where Israelis and Palestinians can live and prosper, side by side, in their own countries?