When Civilians Die, Does It Matter Who Pulled the Trigger?
Why the world’s outrage is selective—and why that needs to change
When Civilians Die, Does It Matter Who Pulled the Trigger?
In a world that prides itself on progress, equality, and human rights, there is a question that cuts through every political speech and every humanitarian promise like a blade:
Do all lives truly matter—or only some?
On May 26, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines for calling Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” after Russia launched one of its deadliest airstrikes on Ukraine since the war began. The attack killed at least 12 people and left cities reeling. Trump’s condemnation was swift, harsh, and broadcasted globally.
He was right to speak out. When innocent people die—when children are crushed under the rubble of buildings they never chose to live in—it deserves outrage.
But here’s the haunting question: Where was that same outrage when the bombs were falling on Gaza?
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The Silence That Screams
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military response to the Hamas attacks has unleashed an unrelenting wave of destruction on Gaza. According to international reports, tens of thousands of Palestinians—many of them children—have been killed. Entire families have vanished. Hospitals have been bombed. Journalists silenced. Water, food, and fuel have been blocked.
And yet, Donald Trump—along with many other powerful Western leaders—has remained mostly silent. Or worse, supportive.
While Putin is denounced for attacking civilians in Kyiv, Israel is praised for “defending itself” as it levels entire neighborhoods in Gaza.
How can two horrors, so painfully similar, receive such drastically different reactions?
⸻
A Tale of Two Conflicts
In Ukraine, we see the destruction up close. Western media shows us crying mothers, shattered schools, and the brave defiance of a sovereign nation fighting back.
But Gaza? We see chaos. Terror. Rockets. We are told Hamas hides behind civilians—as if that somehow justifies turning apartment blocks into dust.
But here’s what we’re not shown enough of:
• A father holding the lifeless body of his child.
• A teenage girl digging through rubble, hoping her mother might still be breathing.
• Doctors performing surgery by flashlight because the power has been cut off—for the tenth day in a row.
This suffering is not fiction. It is real. And it is being ignored.
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Trump’s Double Standard
Let’s be honest: Trump has always taken a pro-Israel stance. During his presidency, he moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, recognized the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and helped broker the Abraham Accords.
But since stepping out of office, and now eyeing a return in 2024, Trump has barely whispered about the catastrophic civilian toll in Gaza. He frames it all as a “necessary war” against terrorism—just as many Western leaders do.
But isn’t that exactly what Putin says about Ukraine?
“He’s trying to fight NATO.”
“He’s trying to protect Russian borders.”
“He’s targeting militants.”
It’s all the same excuse.
And when the bombs fall, civilians die—no matter who gave the order.
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The Cost of Choosing Sides
When world leaders pick and choose which civilians to mourn, they aren’t just shaping foreign policy. They’re shaping hearts. Minds. Narratives.
To some people, the Ukrainian mother matters.
To others, the Palestinian child doesn’t.
But humanity doesn’t come with a passport.
A body buried in Gaza doesn’t cry less than one buried in Kyiv.
So why do our leaders treat them differently?
Why do we rage for Ukraine and shrug for Palestine?
Why is Putin a war criminal, but Israel is a “defender of democracy”?
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Voices Rising From the Ashes
Despite the silence of politicians, millions of people around the world are beginning to ask the same questions. They are marching in the streets. They are sharing stories. They are demanding something revolutionary:
Consistency.
If we condemn Putin for killing civilians, we must condemn anyone else who does the same—no matter who they are, where they are, or what religion or government they claim to represent.
Justice should never be biased.
Pain should never be filtered.
⸻
Your Voice Matters
I’m not a president. I don’t run a country. I don’t control the media.
But I have a voice.
You do too.
And sometimes, that’s enough to start something.
Speak for the forgotten.
Cry for the unseen.
Write for the voiceless.
Because if we stay silent while the world chooses who deserves to live and who doesn’t—then we’re no better than those dropping the bombs.
About the Creator
Muhammad Hakimi
Writing stories of growth, challenge, and resilience.
Exploring personal journeys and universal truths to inspire, connect, and share the power of every voice.
Join me on a journey of stories that inspire, heal, and connect.
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Comments (3)
It's really something how different the reactions are to civilian deaths in these two conflicts. Trump was quick to condemn Putin, but silent on Israel's actions. You'd think innocent lives lost would matter equally. I wonder what it'll take for people to see the similarities and demand the same level of outrage regardless of where it happens. Why is there such a double standard?
the dark reality of our leaders, really sad 😕
That was eye opening