Decolonizing Palestine: Toward National Liberation in the Levant
Nov 1, 2023
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Alyson and Breht discuss the incredible shift in public opinion on Israel and Palestine, the debate on whether Israel's actions amount to genocide, the prospects of a regional war, the history and core elements of Zionism, the role of Biden and the Democratic Party in supporting Israel, and the accomplishments of Palestinian resistance.
The ongoing national liberation struggle in Palestine has shifted public opinion on Israel and Palestine.
A two-state solution does not address the fundamental issue of colonialism and prevents the establishment of a multinational state with equal rights for all.
Internal divisions within Israel, such as tensions between different communities and political factions, contribute to the instability of the conflict.
The Hamas uprising has exposed the reality of genocide in Palestine, meeting the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention.
Deep dives
Internal divisions within Israel
Israel is experiencing internal divisions, with tensions between the secular and ultra-Orthodox communities, as well as protests against the far-right government. The exemption of military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox community is a point of contention, as well as the subsidization of those studying full-time instead of working. These divisions are contributing to an already unstable political climate within Israel.
Potential impact of a two-state solution
Some propose a two-state solution as a way to resolve the conflict, but it has its limitations. A two-state solution would affirm Zionism and justify land theft, allowing continued settlement expansion in Palestinian territories. Additionally, it is compatible with Israel's material interests, maintaining power projection in the region. However, it does not address the fundamental issue of colonialism and prevents the establishment of a multinational state with equal rights for all.
Internal tensions and the ground invasion
Internal tensions within Israel may impact the ground invasion. Families of hostages and the Israeli government have conflicting interests regarding the return of hostages. Israel's indiscriminate bombing in Gaza may lead to the deaths of hostages and exacerbate concerns among the Israeli populace. The IDF's involvement in the ground invasion introduces potential challenges as reservists face a battle-tested Hamas. Their lack of experience and the determination of Hamas fighters intensify the potential difficulties in urban warfare.
Implications for peace and resolution
The ongoing conflict in Palestine requires a deeper understanding of both internal and external contradictions. Internal divisions within Israel, such as tensions between different communities and political factions, contribute to the instability. A focus solely on external pressures, such as the ground invasion, would neglect the complexities of the conflict. To achieve peace and resolution, it is necessary to address the root causes, including Zionism, colonialism, and the denial of Palestinian rights.
Accomplishments of the Hamas Uprising
The Hamas uprising has accomplished several significant outcomes. Firstly, it has brought the issue of Palestine back into global attention and halted the attempted normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The hypocrisy of the West has been exposed and Israel's overzealous response has garnered international disgust. Additionally, the uprising has pushed the conflict to a peak, forcing a resolution and scattering potential settlers who may have considered migrating. Most importantly, it has prevented the ongoing annihilation and genocide of Palestinians from being ignored, bringing their plight to the forefront and forcing the world to confront the horrors inflicted upon them.
Understanding Occupation and Ethnostate
When referring to occupation, it is important to understand that the concept goes beyond the physical presence of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. The occupation refers to the settler colonial occupation of Palestine, the taking over of their land and the subjugation of Palestinians. Similarly, the term ethnostate, when applied to Zionism, accurately characterizes the Zionist project as an ethno-nationalist endeavor. However, it is not accurate to describe the Palestinian resistance groups as seeking to establish an ethnostate, as they have expressed ambitions for a multi-ethnic state in their self-reported politics.
The Jerons of Genocide
The Hamas uprising has exposed the reality of genocide in Palestine, both in the legal sense and morally. The actions of Israel, including killing members of the Palestinian group, causing serious harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life aimed at physical destruction, meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention. Even if one disputes the legal definition, morally speaking, the ongoing destruction, dispossession, and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians clearly align with the essence of a genocidal process. Elements of genocide, such as intent and systematic harm, are unmistakable in this context.
Alyson and Breht discuss the ongoing national liberation struggle in Palestine (recorded Oct. 30th 2023). Together, they discuss the incredible shift in public opinion on Israel and Palestine, the internal and external contradictions culminating in unison for Israel, the discussion about whether or not what Israel is doing is technically a genocide (it absolutely is), international law, Frantz Fanon on the psychology of national liberation, the prospects of a broader regional war, the possibilities of Turkish or Iranian engagement, the history and core elements of Zionism, the analytical importance of the settler colonial and decolonization frameworks, the disgusting role that Biden and the Democratic Party are playing in manufacturing consent for Israel's civilian mass murder campaign, how Hamas is basically an orphan army of men who have had their families killed by Israel in previous assaults, why we should reject the "terrorist" framing of the western ruling elites, what the palestinian resistance has managed to accomplish, and what might emerge from the Ruins of Gaza when all is said and done...
