With multiple bombings in Gaza and the frequent occurrence of planes being shot down, reconciliation between Israel and Palestine is not up for discussion anytime soon.

Although the conflict is taking place in the Middle East, local senators have been receiving calls from concerned citizens vouching for either Israel or Palestine. All around Memphis, Support Palestine signs have been posted on street corners. Even at St. Georges, a Jewish student Audrey Pisahl has kept up with the news at her synagogue.

“[The Jewish] value life above anything else,” said Pisahl. When asked if she had a solution, she answered, “if both sides could come to a mutual agreement, we will be better off.”

A pressing question nationally has been whether the United States should step in and become involved.

“If the conflict continues at this rate and Israel asks for America’s help, then absolutely,” said Pisahl.

There have also been statements opposing America’s possible involvement.

“I believe that it’s sad and tragic, but America shouldn’t be involved,” said Faith Huff, a non-Jewish student.

“America should not be the world’s police officer,” said Laura McDowell, also a non-Jewish student.

Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group, and the Israelis have a history of conflict with one another that has been traced back to the biblical times of Samson and Delilah about 2,000 years ago. The most recent uproar of unrest was sparked by the execution of three Israeli teenagers whose bodies were found June 30, 2014.

In reaction, the Israelis launched Operation Protective Edge, a series of air strikes targeting Gaza, which rocked the home to large groups of Palestinians over these past months. As a result of this attack from Israel, over 600 Palestinians have died and 118,300 Palestinians have had to evacuate their homes.

Minister Tzipi Livni, a member of Israel’s prime minister’s cabinet, has expressed his belief that there is no light at the end of the tunnel for either parties anytime soon.