There is a saying that goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This phrase could not be more fitting when discussing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Despite the passing of over 70 years since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the essence of the conflict remains unchanged. As renowned Palestinian activist and scholar, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, once said, “There is a straight line between 1948 and 2025… What has changed is the style, but not the essence.”
The essence in question is that Israel is a settler-colonial state. This means that it was founded on the premise of taking over land that belonged to another people, in this case, the Palestinians. The use of violence to achieve this goal has been a consistent tactic employed by Israel since its inception. From the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948, to the ongoing illegal settlements in the occupied territories, Israel has consistently used force to expand its territory and limit the rights of the Palestinian people.
The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Palestinian people. It marked the beginning of a long and painful struggle for their rights and their land. The Nakba, or “catastrophe” as it is known to Palestinians, resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes and the destruction of over 500 villages. This was a clear example of settler-colonialism in action, as the newly formed state of Israel used violence to take over more and more land, while simultaneously erasing the presence of the Palestinian people.
But the Nakba was not an isolated incident. It was just the beginning of a long history of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people. Over the years, Israel has continued to expand its territory through the construction of illegal settlements in the occupied territories, which are in direct violation of international law. These settlements not only serve to further displace Palestinians from their land, but also to limit their rights and freedoms. Palestinians living in the occupied territories are subjected to daily checkpoints, restrictions on movement, and constant harassment and violence from Israeli forces.
The essence of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is also reflected in the discriminatory policies and laws that exist within Israel itself. The Israeli government has implemented a system of institutionalized discrimination against its Palestinian citizens, who make up around 20% of the population. This includes laws that restrict the rights of Palestinians to own land, build homes, and even marry who they choose. This is a clear example of how Israel’s settler-colonial mentality extends beyond the occupied territories and into its own borders.
As Dr. Ashrawi points out, the style may have changed over the years, but the essence remains the same. The use of violence, discrimination, and oppression to maintain control over Palestinian land and limit their rights is a constant in the history of Israel. And unfortunately, this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.
However, this does not mean that the Palestinian people have given up hope. On the contrary, they continue to resist and fight for their rights and their land. The ongoing Great March of Return in Gaza, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and the countless acts of resistance and resilience by Palestinians all over the world are a testament to their determination and strength.
It is also important to note that the struggle for Palestinian rights is not just a Palestinian issue, but a global one. The international community has a responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to support the Palestinian people in their quest for justice and freedom. This includes imposing sanctions on Israel for its illegal settlements and human rights abuses, and supporting the BDS movement.
In conclusion, the words of Dr. Ashrawi serve as a reminder that the essence of the conflict between Israel and Palestine remains unchanged. Israel is a settler-colonial state that has used violence and discrimination to expand its territory and oppress the Palestinian people. However, the Palestinian people continue to resist and fight for their rights and their land, and it is up to the international community to stand in solidarity with them and support their struggle for justice and freedom. Only then can we hope to see a future where the essence of the conflict is truly transformed.
