The ongoing horror in Palestine and Israel builds on generations of occupation and oppression. The lack of action by the international community and the United States and tolerance for Israeli violations of international law and human rights made the mass attacks by Hamas inevitable. Despite the rhetoric among politicians and the media, there is no military solution, only a political one. Priority should be placed by the U.S. government not in arming Israel, but in leading efforts to address the self-determination and rights of the Palestinian people. Continuing with decades of U.S. policy will only ensure greater death and destruction for the Palestinian and Israeli people, increased regional instability and risk of war, and belittling stated American values.