“Israel Fears the Very Existence of Palestine”: An In-depth Analysis
Palestinian author and activist, Najlaa Harir, in her latest article, sheds light on the deep-rooted fear and
anxiety
that has long plagued the State of Israel: the fear of the very existence of a Palestinian state. Harir, an esteemed voice in the Palestinian community, asserts that Israel’s actions and policies have consistently aimed at undermining any prospect of a viable Palestinian state.
Historical Context
The historical context of this conflict is crucial to understanding Israel’s fear of Palestine. After the end of World War II, the United Nations partitioned Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab. The Jewish community, a minority at the time, accepted the plan, while the Arab majority rejected it, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In the aftermath, more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes and became refugees.
Present-day Realities
Fast forward to the present day, and Israel’s fear of Palestine persists. In occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Jewish settlements continue to expand, confiscating Palestinian land and dividing the territory into isolated cantons. The separation wall, built by Israel, further isolates Palestinians from their land and their neighbors.
The Role of Violence
Harir also discusses the role of violence in Israel’s fear of Palestine. While she acknowledges that Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation has led to violent clashes, she argues that the disproportionate use of force by Israel against Palestinians only serves to fuel further resentment and instability.
A Path Forward
The Palestinian author calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, one that acknowledges the rights of both peoples. She emphasizes the importance of dialogue and compromise, urging international-news/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>world
leaders to take action in pressuring Israel to respect international law and halt its expansionist policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Palestinian author and activist Najlaa Harir’s analysis highlights the profound fear that Israel holds towards the existence of a Palestinian state. By examining historical context, present realities, and potential paths forward, her article sheds light on the complexity of this conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
I. Introduction
Background on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the world’s most protracted and complex disputes, has been a source of tension and violence in the Middle East since the late 19th century. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the emergence of Zionism, a Jewish nationalist movement that aimed to establish a homeland for Jews in what was then known as Palestine. This ambition clashed with the aspirations of the indigenous Palestinian Arab population, who feared losing their land and identity. The conflict reached a boiling point in the late 1940s when the British Mandate of Palestine ended, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Importance of Understanding Palestinian Perspectives
Despite the extensive coverage and debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there remains a significant imbalance in the representation of Palestinian narratives. It is crucial to understand the Palestinian perspective not only for the sake of fairness and justice but also to foster peace and reconciliation efforts. Failure to acknowledge and address Palestinian concerns may perpetuate cycles of violence, displacement, and suffering that have plagued the region for decades.
Introduction to the Argument Presented by Palestinian Author and Activist
In this context, we will explore the views of prominent Palestinian author and activist, Edward Said. Born in Jerusalem in 1935 to a Christian family, Said was an influential figure in the fields of literature, culture, and politics. His seminal work, “Orientalism,” challenged Western perceptions of the Middle East by exposing the biases inherent in European scholarly and literary representations. In this paragraph, we will delve into Said’s perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications for the Palestinian people.
Historical Context: The Beginning of Israeli Fear
Zionist Movement and its Influence on Jewish Immigration to Palestine
The Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, gained momentum in the early 20th century. This movement was fueled by rising anti-Semitism in Europe and the belief that Jews needed a safe haven from persecution. The British Mandate for Palestine, established in 1920, provided an opportunity for Jewish immigration and settlement in the region. However, this led to increasing tensions with the native Palestinian population.
Early 20th century roots
The Zionist movement can be traced back to the late 19th century with the First Zionist Congress in 1897. Theodor Herzl, an Austrian journalist and writer, is often considered the father of modern Zionism. He believed that a Jewish homeland was necessary to protect Jews from persecution and ensure their survival as a people.
British Mandate for Palestine
The British Mandate for Palestine, established after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, granted the Jewish community rights to buy and develop land in Palestine. This led to a significant increase in Jewish immigration, with more than 60,000 Jews arriving between 1924 and 1935.
Arab reaction and escalating tensions
The Palestinian resistance to Zionist settlements grew as more Jewish immigrants arrived, leading to clashes between the two communities. The 1936-1939 Arab Revolt, also known as the Great Rebellion, was a large-scale uprising against British rule and Jewish immigration. Palestinians believed that the establishment of a Jewish homeland would threaten their national identity and sovereignty.
Palestinian resistance to Zionist settlements
Palestinians organized strikes, demonstrations, and acts of violence against Jewish settlers and the British authorities. The most famous incident was the Peel Commission Riots in 1936, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries on both sides.
1936-1939 Arab Revolt
The Arab Revolt lasted for three years and saw the involvement of various Palestinian factions, including nationalist groups, religious leaders, and criminal gangs. The British responded with brutal force, using military and police to suppress the uprising.
The establishment of Israel and displacement of Palestinians (Nakba)
Despite the growing tensions, the 1947 UN Partition Plan called for the establishment of both a Jewish and an Arab state in Palestine. However, this plan was not accepted by all parties involved. The 1948 Israeli Declaration of Independence and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as Nakba, or “catastrophe.”
1947 UN Partition Plan
The UN partition plan called for the division of Palestine into two states: one Jewish and one Arab. Jerusalem was to be an international city under United Nations control. The plan was rejected by many Palestinian leaders and Arab countries, who believed that the Jewish state would encroach on their territory and violate the rights of the Palestinian people.
1948 Israeli Declaration of Independence and Arab-Israeli War
On May 14, 1948, the Jewish community in Palestine declared their independence as the State of Israel. Five Arab countries – Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq – responded by launching military attacks on Israel. The Arab-Israeli War lasted until early 1949 and resulted in significant territorial gains for Israel, as well as the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Palestinian refugees and dispossession
The war led to the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians, who were forced to leave their homes and become refugees. Many Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed or taken over by Jewish settlers. This event is still a source of deep pain and conflict in the region, with many Palestinians yearning for a return to their homeland.
I Expansionist Policies and the Threat to Palestine
Israeli Settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
The Israeli settlements in the
Historical development of settlements
The first settlement was established in 1968, and by 2021, there were approximately 700,000 settlers living in these areas. These settlements have expanded significantly over the years, with new ones being established and existing ones growing, often encroaching upon Palestinian lands.
The Separation Barrier
Another major issue is the
Purpose and construction
The primary reason for its construction was to prevent Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians, but it has also been used as a means to annex land and separate Palestinians from their own territory. The barrier is estimated to be around 450 miles long when completed, with approximately 35% built within the West Bank, encroaching on Palestinian land.
Impact on Palestinians
The barrier’s impact on the Palestinian population is significant, isolating them from their agricultural lands, water sources, and essential services, making it difficult for them to maintain a normal life.
Land expropriation and confiscation
The land seizure for settlements and the construction of the barrier has been a contentious issue, with Palestinians arguing that it is a violation of their human rights.
Reasons for land seizure
The Israeli government justifies the seizure of lands based on security and strategic reasons. However, Palestinians view it as a deliberate attempt to alter the demographic makeup of the area and limit their self-determination.
Consequences for Palestinian communities
The consequences of these policies have been devastating for the Palestinians, with many being displaced from their homes and lands, losing access to essential services, and facing increased hardships in their daily lives. These actions have hindered the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Militarization and Control
Israeli military presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT)
Israeli military presence in the OPT is a significant aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel’s military branch, plays a crucial role in maintaining control over the territories. With nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers living in the OPT, the IDF is responsible for ensuring security and maintaining order. However, this presence has a profound impact on the daily life of Palestinians.
Impact on daily life for Palestinians
The Israeli military presence significantly affects the daily lives of Palestinians. They must navigate a complex web of restrictions and checkpoints to move around their own land. The role of the IDF extends beyond traditional military functions, with soldiers often involved in civilian administration and law enforcement. This results in a pervasive sense of uncertainty and instability for Palestinians living under occupation.
Restriction on Palestinian movement and access
The Israeli military’s control over the OPT manifests through various means, including checkpoints, roadblocks, and border closures. These restrictions limit Palestinians’ freedom of movement and access to essential services, markets, schools, and even their own farmlands. The impact on the economy and livelihoods is immense; many Palestinians have lost their jobs or businesses due to these restrictions.
1.1 Checkpoints and roadblocks
Checkpoints are a daily reality for many Palestinians. They can take hours to pass through, causing significant delays and hardships for commuters. The presence of roadblocks disrupts transportation networks and limits access to essential services and markets.
1.2 Closure of border crossings
The closure of border crossings between the OPT and neighboring countries further restricts Palestinians’ access to markets, jobs, and essential supplies. This leads to a scarcity of goods and skyrocketing prices within the OPT.
1.3 Impact on economy and livelihoods
The restrictions on movement and access have a severe impact on the Palestinian economy, which is already fragile due to the occupation. Many Palestinians rely on daily wages for their livelihoods and are unable to reach their places of work or markets, causing significant financial losses and instability.
Collective punishment and intimidation tactics
Collective punishment and intimidation tactics used by the Israeli military against Palestinians further exacerbate tensions and instability in the OPT. These tactics include:
Demolition of Palestinian homes
The demolition of Palestinian homes is a common form of collective punishment. It not only leaves families homeless but also destroys their livelihoods and forces them to relocate, often to overcrowded areas with inadequate resources.
Arrests, detention, and torture
Arrests, detention, and torture of Palestinians are frequent occurrences in the OPT. Many are held without charge or trial, often subjected to brutal treatment during detention. These practices not only inflict physical and emotional harm on individuals but also create a climate of fear within Palestinian communities.
Use of violence against peaceful protestors
Israeli security forces use excessive force, including live ammunition and tear gas, against Palestinian protestors. These violent responses to peaceful protests further fuel tensions and instability in the OPT. The indiscriminate use of force results in injuries and fatalities, causing immense suffering for Palestinian families and communities.
Conclusion: The Implications for Palestinians and the International Community
A. The Israeli fear of Palestinian self-determination and the Palestinian reality of occupation and displacement form a complex and deeply entrenched dynamic in the Middle East conflict. The Israeli population harbors genuine concerns about security threats, terrorism, and the potential for instability if Palestinians are granted full self-determination. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to grapple with daily hardships as a result of Israeli occupation, including restrictions on movement and access to resources, housing, and education.
B.. Understanding this dynamic is essential for advancing peace in the region. Firstly, acknowledging Palestinian rights and addressing their concerns through diplomatic efforts can contribute to a more stable and sustainable peace. This includes recognizing their right to self-determination, ensuring their access to resources and opportunities, and addressing the root causes of conflict such as displacement, settlement expansion, and violence. Secondly, international intervention and diplomacy are crucial in facilitating negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This can involve providing financial assistance, brokering talks, and enforcing international laws that protect human rights.
Call to action:
In light of the ongoing challenges facing Palestinians and the international community, it is essential that we take collective action to support a just peace. This can include advocating for Palestinian self-determination, supporting organizations that promote dialogue and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, and holding governments accountable for their actions. We must also remain vigilant in calling out acts of violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses on all sides. By taking a proactive role in the peace process, we can help create a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in safety, dignity, and peace.
