Former Gaza resident Amr Abdul Latif discusses life in Gaza since 2007, the impact of the war, targeted attacks, collective punishment by Israel, misconceptions and ignorance in Western narratives, civil war and division among Palestinians, new devastating weapons used in Gaza, and the faith and resilience exhibited by the people of Gaza.
Life in Gaza was marked by dire economic conditions, limited job opportunities, and growing frustrations among Palestinians due to increasing restrictions on accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Contrary to negative portrayals, life in Gaza was relatively safe and secure outside of war periods, with low crime rates, rare violence, and a peaceful coexistence between the Christian and Muslim communities.
The blockade imposed on Gaza caused severe shortages of essential resources, limited access to basic amenities, and hardships such as prolonged power outages and restrictions on freedom of movement.
Deep dives
Life in Gaza Before the Conflict
Before the recent conflict in Gaza, life was marked by dire economic conditions and ongoing tensions with Israel. The economic situation was already severe, with limited job opportunities and a reduction in Palestinian workers able to find employment in Israel due to restrictions. Restrictions on accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem were increasing, leading to growing frustration among Palestinians. There was a sense of despair and hopelessness, with many feeling that peaceful avenues for change had been exhausted.
Living Conditions and Safety in Gaza
Contrary to negative portrayals in the media, life in Gaza was relatively safe and secure outside of war periods. While the economic situation was challenging, crime rates were low, and violence was rare. Women enjoyed a level of freedom compared to other Muslim countries, with the ability to travel, work, and even walk alone during the evenings. Gaza also had a Christian community that coexisted peacefully with the Muslim majority. Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, maintained order and swiftly dealt with any signs of extremism or threats to the safety of its citizens.
The Dangers of Israeli Control and Diminished Statehood
The prospect of living under Israeli control or diminished Palestinian statehood is seen as a nightmare by Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli authorities have a long history of arbitrary arrests, violence, and human rights abuses. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has also been criticized for its authoritarian tendencies. Palestinians believe that continued resistance is necessary to protect their rights and maintain a sense of autonomy. The idea that resistance has failed is rejected, as historical examples have shown that resistance efforts have achieved significant concessions and improvements in the past.
Effects of Blockade and Control
The podcast discusses the devastating impact of the blockade and control imposed on Gaza. Under the blockade, Palestinians in Gaza faced severe shortages of essential resources such as electricity, fuel, and internet. The Israeli authorities regulated the number of calories Palestinians could consume, demonstrating the extent of control exerted over their lives. Access to basic amenities like electricity and internet was dependent on the Israeli side, leading to limited availability and frequent disruptions. The blockade caused significant hardships, including prolonged power outages, the use of unconventional fuel sources, and limitations on freedom of movement.
Normalization and Weapons Usage
The podcast explores the issue of normalization and the use of advanced weapons against Palestinians in Gaza. Normalization, as described in the podcast, refers to alliances or peace deals between countries and Israel. The speaker states that countries engaging in normalization often fail to gain any meaningful concessions for the Palestinian people. The Israeli entity's reliance on selling weapons fuels the perpetuation of conflicts, as even temporary ceasefires are followed by the introduction of new weaponry. The podcast highlights the use of weapons such as seismic bombs that dig underground and cause earthquakes, thermal bio bombs that explode in mid-air or on impact to cause pressure-related fatalities, and the continued use of white phosphorus. The speaker emphasizes the devastating impact of the Israeli onslaught on the people of Gaza, with new weapons being used continuously in attacks.
Resilience and Faith
Amidst the adversity faced by the people of Gaza, the podcast explores their fortitude and resolve, which is attributed to their faith and sense of purpose. The speaker acknowledges that dire situations can strengthen faith and resilience, and points to examples from various conflicts where the oppressed have exhibited unwavering belief. The Palestine issue resonates with people globally, and the massive international support received provides further strength. The speaker highlights the love for life that Palestinians possess and their desire for freedom, even in the face of constant occupation and bombardment. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the unwavering determination of the Palestinian people to continue fighting for their rights and freedom.
The death toll in Gaza has reached above 10,000, yet the so-called international community, in reality, the Western nations, are deaf to the cries under the rubble. The Israeli war machine no longer worries about redlines as they act in complete impunity. If the hypocrisy of the West was not evident before this crisis, it is clear now that the Liberal World Order was never meant to safeguard the lives and honour of those it deems lesser people.
Amr Abdul Latif was, until recently, a resident and citizen of Gaza. He came to the UK to study for his postgraduate degree at St Andrews University and now works as a software developer. The Western press, even those that show little empathy, present the people of Gaza as lesser human beings who do not have dreams and aspirations. Who are either to be pitied or presented as subhuman. I want to understand what life has been like since 2007, when Israel announced its siege and what the average Gaza actually believes.
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