No Justice, No Peace: Unraveling the Gaza Paradox
Pasadena Journal Editorial
The following editorial stems from an October 12, 2023, interview on Democracy Now! In this interview, Amy Goodman engaged in a conversation with Rashid Khalidi, the author of 'The Hundred Years' War on Palestine.' Their discussion encompassed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its intricate historical background.
In a world where immediate gratification often takes precedence over deeper comprehension, it is essential to take a moment and reflect on the seemingly endless Israel-Palestine conflict. The recent outburst of violence between Hamas and Israel, which has led to tragic losses on both sides, forces us to confront a long-standing issue that can no longer be ignored. It's a heartbreaking saga where political calculations often seem to overshadow empathy, and the same cycle of violence replays itself relentlessly.
For decades, the Israel-Palestine conflict has symbolized diplomatic inaction and squandered opportunities. The experience is similar to watching a car crash in slow motion. Even though we want to get away from it, we remain transfixed. This time, the distressing drama has claimed over a thousand lives, with most of the victims being innocent civilians who had no part in this horrifying drama.
In a recent interview with Democracy Now!, Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, offered a poignant analysis of the situation. He pointed out that the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million Palestinians, has evolved into a pressure cooker. In essence, the Israeli blockade, which has the effect of gradually suffocating its inhabitants, has left the Palestinian population with meager resources and limited prospects. The rocket attacks by Hamas and Israel's counterattacks are merely the most visible manifestations of this smoldering crisis.
In the convoluted narrative of this conflict, there is a bitter irony that approaches the realm of poetry. As Khalidi notes, the people of Gaza have their roots in the very areas that Hamas is targeting today—Palestinian towns and villages in 1948 that have since become Israeli territory. The cycle of dispossession and violence perpetuates itself, and the pain reverberates across generations.
However, amid the despair, there is a glimmer of hope. Khalidi predicts a paradigm shift. The belief that 5 million people can be confined behind walls and subjected to such dire conditions without eventually retaliating is, in his words, "exploding." The world is waking up to the harsh reality that Palestinians have endured for far too long. Global revulsion against Israel's actions is growing, even as some Arab nations normalize relations.
The irony deepens when we consider the U.S. role in this tragedy. As Khalidi rightfully points out, the U.S. is financing this occupation and violence, making it complicit in the suffering. Supplying military aid to an apartheid government is a dark stain on American foreign policy.
Let us not forget the intelligence failure in this grim narrative. Israeli and American intelligence agencies failed to foresee the magnitude of the recent escalation. It is a stark reminder that arrogance and complacency can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The world watched as a massive military operation unfolded, leaving civilians on both sides to bear the brunt of this failure.
As we contemplate this multifaceted crisis, we must remember that peace cannot be constructed on the ruins of lost lives. Diplomatic endeavors must be intensified, and empathy should guide our actions. After all, it is the human element that should carry the most weight in any conflict.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is not solely a regional issue; it is a global concern. It is a tale of resilience and suffering, of political shortsightedness and squandered opportunities. As the world watches, we must ask ourselves whether we are content to witness this tragedy replay itself or if we will finally act to break this devastating cycle.
For decades, the Israel-Palestine conflict has symbolized diplomatic inaction and squandered opportunities. The experience is similar to watching a car crash in slow motion. Even though we want to get away from it, we remain transfixed. This time, the distressing drama has claimed over a thousand lives, with most of the victims being innocent civilians who had no part in this horrifying drama.
In a recent interview with Democracy Now!, Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, offered a poignant analysis of the situation. He pointed out that the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million Palestinians, has evolved into a pressure cooker. In essence, the Israeli blockade, which has the effect of gradually suffocating its inhabitants, has left the Palestinian population with meager resources and limited prospects. The rocket attacks by Hamas and Israel's counterattacks are merely the most visible manifestations of this smoldering crisis.
In the convoluted narrative of this conflict, there is a bitter irony that approaches the realm of poetry. As Khalidi notes, the people of Gaza have their roots in the very areas that Hamas is targeting today—Palestinian towns and villages in 1948 that have since become Israeli territory. The cycle of dispossession and violence perpetuates itself, and the pain reverberates across generations.
However, amid the despair, there is a glimmer of hope. Khalidi predicts a paradigm shift. The belief that 5 million people can be confined behind walls and subjected to such dire conditions without eventually retaliating is, in his words, "exploding." The world is waking up to the harsh reality that Palestinians have endured for far too long. Global revulsion against Israel's actions is growing, even as some Arab nations normalize relations.
The irony deepens when we consider the U.S. role in this tragedy. As Khalidi rightfully points out, the U.S. is financing this occupation and violence, making it complicit in the suffering. Supplying military aid to an apartheid government is a dark stain on American foreign policy.
Let us not forget the intelligence failure in this grim narrative. Israeli and American intelligence agencies failed to foresee the magnitude of the recent escalation. It is a stark reminder that arrogance and complacency can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The world watched as a massive military operation unfolded, leaving civilians on both sides to bear the brunt of this failure.
As we contemplate this multifaceted crisis, we must remember that peace cannot be constructed on the ruins of lost lives. Diplomatic endeavors must be intensified, and empathy should guide our actions. After all, it is the human element that should carry the most weight in any conflict.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is not solely a regional issue; it is a global concern. It is a tale of resilience and suffering, of political shortsightedness and squandered opportunities. As the world watches, we must ask ourselves whether we are content to witness this tragedy replay itself or if we will finally act to break this devastating cycle.