Argument About Violence in Israel and Palestine

May 12, 2026, 16:43
Middle EastPolitics

Introduction

A writer for the New York Times wrote a story. He says Israeli soldiers hurt Palestinians. The Israeli government says this is not true.

Main Body

Nicholas Kristof wrote the story. He talked to 14 people. He says soldiers used dogs and metal sticks to hurt people. He says this happens often. Israel says the story is a lie. They say the people in the story work for Hamas. Israel says the writer wants to make the UN angry at Israel. Israel says Hamas hurt people on October 7, 2023. A new report says Hamas used sexual violence against many people. Israel wants to punish these people with death.

Conclusion

Israel and the writer have very different stories.

Learning

⚡ The "Who says what" Pattern

In this text, we see a common way to tell a story about a disagreement. Look at how the writer connects a person to an action:

  • He says... (The writer)
  • Israel says... (The government)
  • A report says... (The document)

Why this helps you reach A2: Instead of just saying "This is true," you can use [Someone] + says + [Information]. This lets you talk about news, gossip, or arguments easily.

Simple Examples:

  • My teacher says → the test is easy.
  • The news says → it will rain today.
  • My friend says → the movie is bad.

Quick Word Change: If you want to sound more varied, you can swap says for talked to (for conversations) or wrote (for letters/stories).

Example from text: "Nicholas Kristof wrote the story."

Vocabulary Learning

story (n.)
A narrative about events or experiences.
Example:I read a story about a brave knight.
hurt (v.)
To cause pain or injury to someone.
Example:The dog hurt the boy with its bite.
people (n.)
Human beings in general.
Example:Many people came to the protest.
soldiers (n.)
Men or women who serve in an army.
Example:The soldiers marched in formation.
Israel (n.)
A country in the Middle East.
Example:Israel is known for its ancient history.
government (n.)
The group that runs a country.
Example:The government announced new rules.
true (adj.)
In accordance with facts or reality.
Example:The statement was true and accurate.
writer (n.)
Someone who writes stories or articles.
Example:The writer published a new book.
talk (v.)
To speak with someone.
Example:They will talk about the future.
metal (n.)
A solid material that is usually hard and shiny.
Example:The metal was used to build the bridge.
stick (n.)
A long, thin piece of wood or metal.
Example:He used a stick to poke the fire.
lie (n.)
A false statement.
Example:He told a lie about where he was.
work (v.)
To do a job or task.
Example:She works in a hospital.
angry (adj.)
Feeling strong displeasure.
Example:He was angry when he lost the game.
report (n.)
An official account of events.
Example:The report was published yesterday.
punish (v.)
To impose a penalty for wrongdoing.
Example:The judge will punish the thief.
death (n.)
The end of life.
Example:The death of the king shocked the nation.
different (adj.)
Not the same.
Example:Their opinions are different.