As the dust settles (or at least tries to) in the aftermath of the chilling surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's words reverberate with a clear message: “This isn’t just an operation. We are at war." The magnitude of Netanyahu's intent could be sensed from his emphatic statement, "The enemy will pay a price they have never known." It's as if he's making it abundantly clear that this isn't some small military exercise. It's a full-blown war, necessitated by a brutal surprise assault.

Halfway across the world, another leader tuned into the grim happenings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking to the all-familiar X platform (because why should Twitter have all the fun?), expressed his shock at the situation. His thoughts and prayers? With the innocent victims bearing the brunt of the Hamas terrorists' aggression. But it wasn't just about prayers; it was also about solidarity. And that's precisely where India stands - shoulder to shoulder with Israel in these trying times. A sentiment that didn’t go unnoticed as the Consul General of Israel, Kobbi Shoshani, extended his thanks to India.

There's an old saying that when the going gets tough, you get to know your true allies. And as rockets fly and leaders speak, allegiances get tested, and the world watches.

For those who might be trying to understand the headlines, let's delve into a quick history lesson. Hamas isn't just a word we hear when there's a flare-up in the Middle East. Its origins trace back to Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric. Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya or the “Islamic Resistance Movement” as it translates in English, was brought to life under his guidance. A group that might have its roots in resistance, but, by 1997, the United States had already dubbed it a foreign terrorist organization.

Fast forward to today, and the gravity of this designation becomes painfully clear. Picture this: a vibrant music festival, thrumming with life and anticipation, turns into a setting of carnage. The aftermath of Hamas terrorists' actions left an unspeakable scene. Over 260 innocent civilians – men, women, and children, music enthusiasts just there for a good time – met a tragic end. Their bodies, a testament to the merciless firing. And as if this wasn't gut-wrenching enough, hundreds more, civilians and soldiers, children among them, have been whisked away, their fate uncertain following the attack.

A resistance movement or a harbinger of death and despair? The lines, it seems, are getting blurred.

In the midst of this chaotic and heart-wrenching scenario, the tale of Shani Louk, a German tourist, paints a particularly dark picture of the events that unfolded. Innocent souls from around the world, visiting for reasons ranging from exploration to simply enjoying music, found themselves ensnared in the web of terror weaved by Hamas.

Shani's fate was especially grim. Having been abducted, her life was cruelly snuffed out. But it didn't end there. In what can only be described as a barbaric show of power and disdain, Hamas terrorists paraded her lifeless, naked body around Gaza, a chilling spectacle of their capabilities.

Eyewitnesses, already grappling with the shock of the events, recounted further horrors from the music festival. Women attendees suffered unspeakable acts of violence, with some being raped beside the lifeless forms of their friends. The depth of the tragedy only deepened as many of these victims met a brutal end, executed after enduring such torment.

It's a grim reminder of the cruel, unpredictable nature of terrorism where even the most unsuspecting – tourists, music enthusiasts – aren't spared from its clutches.

Even UAE calls Hamas attack on Israel ‘serious, grave escalation’ 

In a world where irony and politics often dine at the same table, the recent Hamas attack on Israel presented another fascinating chapter. Late Sunday, the United Arab Emirates, a predominantly Muslim country, didn't shy away from condemning the Palestinian group Hamas for its blatant attack on Israeli towns, terming it a "serious and grave escalation". They even expressed their dismay over the abduction of Israeli civilians, resonating a deep sense of concern for the innocent.

Now, isn't it intriguing that the UAE's response was more direct and clear-cut than that of our own Congress party? Even more fascinating is the stark contrast between the UAE's stern stand and the often equivocal remarks of Mr. Rahul Gandhi and his party. For a moment, let's juxtapose the two. The Congress, while condemning Hamas' brutal attack, simultaneously expressed sympathy for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, the UAE, despite being a Muslim-majority nation, displayed no ambiguity in condemning a Muslim extremist group's violent acts.

Here’s a satirical thought - perhaps the Congress, and especially Mr. Gandhi, could take a brief internship under the UAE's Foreign Ministry. They might learn a thing or two about taking a clear stance on pressing international issues. If only politics was about the simplicity of right and wrong, and not the complex art of balancing acts! But then again, politics without a sprinkle of irony would be like a cake without frosting - plain and uninteresting.

The UAE's statement recently only reemphasizes their commitment to global peace and diplomacy. While they clearly condemned Hamas for the egregious attack on Israeli towns, they didn't remain blind to the repercussions of the increasing conflict. The Gulf nation's balanced plea to both Hamas and Israel to de-escalate reeks of maturity – a stark contrast, if one may recall, to our Congress party's vacillating stand.

"Civilians on both sides must always have full protection," says the UAE. Now, that's diplomacy speaking its heart out. It's a simple statement but profound in its meaning, resonating a sentiment that civilians should never become casualties of political ideologies or vendettas. But while the UAE showed concern for both sides, we saw the Congress taking a bit of a seesaw approach - sympathizing here, condemning there, and generally creating a murky cocktail of sentiments.

Hamas might have its reasons for attacking, and Israel surely has its reasons to retaliate. Yet, at the end of the day, it’s the numbers that make us flinch – 700 Israelis and more than 410 Palestinians gone, and thousands more wounded. If only our Congress could realize that sometimes, in the face of such tragedy, a simple, clear stance is more valuable than a politically calculated one.

What's even more interesting, however, is the UAE-Israel relationship backdrop. Remember 2020? The year wasn’t just about that pesky virus; it was also when the UAE and Israel shook hands and decided to normalize relations under US sponsorship. Oh, the sweet touch of diplomacy!

Maybe, just maybe, it's high time some of our homegrown politicians take a page from the UAE's book. Because sometimes, the voice of reason doesn't need to shout; it just needs to be clear and unwavering. And while we're in the mood for satirical suggestions, perhaps a series of diplomacy workshops in the serene deserts of the UAE for our political stalwarts? Food (or should we say, dates) for thought!