At the heart of every conflict lies a binary: us vs. them. These lines can grow, shift, or dissolve as alliances form and fracture, but the essence remains the same. Keeping conflicts binary benefits the few in power, while countless others endure unspeakable loss and suffering.

In democratic societies like ours, “wedge politics” thrives on simplistic binaries, driving deeper rifts between “in-groups” and “out-groups.” One “wedge” issue is Palestine-Israel. The conflict is framed as two sides—Israel vs. Palestine—but these labels mask a profound internal diversity. When we bring Palestinian and Israeli speakers into schools, students often can’t tell who is who before introductions are made.

Both groups encompass rich racial, religious, and political diversity. Yet damaging stereotypes persist, with each side fixating on the worst and most extreme actions of the other, while remaining blind to similar faults within their own and the humanity of the other. These binaries prolong division, fuel hatred, and serve the agendas of those who seek to maintain power. Breaking these binaries is essential to peace and justice prevailing in the Middle East, and community cohesion prevailing here in Britain.

This begins with acknowledging the shared humanity on all sides. Mourning the loss of every child—any child—as if they were our own teaches us the meaning of a lose-lose outcome, and how important it is to seek win-win. Empathy, dialogue, and critical thinking are the tools we need to humanise one another and dismantle divisive narratives.

The Solutions Not Sides conflict resolution journey has five steps:

Step 1: Persuade: 

Embracing our shared humanity and a win-win approach as our motivation for change

Step 2: Equip:

Engaging in social and emotional learning to equip us for dialogue

Step 3: Ask: 

Engaging in dialogue to provide us with the understanding for critical thinking

Step 4: Create:

Using critical thinking to apply human needs theory for conflict resolution

Step 5: Execute: 

Promoting active citizenship to effect the change we want to see

By building frameworks rooted in equality, justice, peace, and proactive citizenship, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated and every person is protected from harm. It’s time to break the binaries and embrace a future where we move beyond fear and division to build a fair, compassionate and open society.