The vast majority of people will get stressed talking to people they think are evil or against their values. Someone breaking down in tears because another person says they "don't give a fuck about the bloody Gazans" is not behaving particularly unusually.
The views don't matter as much as how strongly they are held.
I understand this happens and I agree but there's two options.
1. Avoid talking about politics
2. Learn to control your emotions when discussing politics even if you have a strong view.
I think 2 is a better solution otherwise the worse things get the more people will avoid talking about it.
It's worth the effort because, based on your example, if you really cared about the people of Gaza you need to stand up and defend them, not avoid the topic due to how uncomfortable it makes you feel
> Someone breaking down in tears because another person says they "don't give a fuck about the bloody Gazans" is not behaving particularly unusually.
it might be reasonable if you have personal close links to Gaza (e.g. you are worried about family who live there), but otherwise it OUGHT to be very unusual.
> it might be reasonable if you have personal close links to Gaza (e.g. you are worried about family who live there)
That's another problem with political discussions at work - you're often not sure why someone has a particular beliefs and so it's hard to know whether disagreement will be taken as an abstract difference of opinion or as an attack on their family, friends, or homeland.
The views don't matter as much as how strongly they are held.