Diana Buttu: Unmasking the Occupation and the Fight for Palestinian Freedom

This interview was recorded before the Palestinian reconciliation in Jenin and before the latest Israeli military invasion of Jenin.

In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we are proud to feature Diana Buttu, a prominent Palestinian-Canadian lawyer, negotiator, and activist. Diana shares her journey from being the first female negotiator during the Second Intifada to her continued advocacy for justice and human rights.

Diana’s experiences shed light on the harsh realities of life under occupation, the challenges of international negotiations, and the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians. She recounts her family’s history, shaped by the Nakba, and her father’s struggle for justice in a deeply discriminatory system. Diana reflects on the lessons she learned from her time negotiating with Israel, the importance of grassroots movements, and the resilience of the Palestinian people.

Our hosts, Ed and Zeina, delve into the following topics with Diana:

➡️ Her family’s journey through the Nakba and survival under Israeli military rule.

➡️ The systemic discrimination and dehumanization faced by Palestinians.

➡️ Behind-the-scenes insights from her time as a legal advisor during negotiations.

➡️ The enduring spirit of Palestinians resisting displacement and erasure.

➡️ Why she remains hopeful for liberation despite immense challenges.

🎧Stay tuned for all things Sumud: https://sumudpod.com

📲 Follow Diana Buttu: @dianabuttu

📲 Follow our hosts: @DrEdHasan

Special thanks to Zeina Ashrawi

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:47 - Diana’s background and her family’s decision to move to Canada 

09:18 - Her experience as a Palestinian in Canada

12:24 - Experiencing the first Intifada in Palestine and her political awakening 

16:11 - Being a part of the negotiations during the second Intifada

34:33 - Processing the Israeli violence she witnessed during her time in Palestine 

40:01 - Engaging Israelis to Raise Awareness About the Occupation

45:35 - Why she chooses to live in Haifa instead of Canada 

49:16 - The Palestinian Authority oppressing Palestinians 

55:52 - On the ceasefire back and forth 

01:00:49 International accountability of Israel’s actions 

01:03:33 Insight into the torture Palestinians endure 

#SumudPodcast #DianaButtu #PalestinianResistance #IsraelApartheid #VoicesOfPalestine #Justice #Advocacy #InternationalLaw 

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