New Books in Middle Eastern Studies Matthew Hughes, "Britain's Pacification of Palestine" (Cambridge UP, 2019)
Feb 28, 2025
Matthew Hughes, a Professor of History at Brunel University, discusses his book on the British Army's role in suppressing the Arab Revolt in Palestine from 1936 to 1939. He reveals the brutal tactics used by British forces, such as collective punishment and lawfare, to dismantle the rebellion. Hughes explores the significant impact of violent counterinsurgency on Palestinian society, the complex interactions with European powers, and the internal divisions among Palestinian factions. He also addresses the dark legacy of military actions and the gendered experiences of violence during this tumultuous period.
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British Suppression Shattered Palestinians
- Britain's colonial state wielded overwhelming power to brutally repress the Palestinian Arab revolt.
- This repression fractured the Palestinian society, weakening it irreparably before 1948.
Jewish Support Key to British Intelligence
- British intelligence in Palestine relied heavily on Jewish networks, who were skilled Arabic speakers.
- This intelligence cooperation strengthened British operations against Palestinian rebels in the late 1930s.
Ord Wingate's Brutal Leadership
- Ord Wingate led brutal special night squads using extreme counterinsurgency tactics.
- The British army disfavored Wingate's methods and sidelined him in 1939 due to his excessive violence.
