The recent statement made by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the October 7 massacre committed by Hamas has sparked a strong reaction from Israel. Guterres emphasized that the tragedy cannot be dissociated from the 56 years of occupation that have plagued the region. Israel swiftly condemned the statement, accusing Guterres of supporting Hamas and justifying their actions. This reaction highlights the potential for a new type of allegation of anti-Semitism. Israel, alongside Western governments, has capitalized on the dehistoricisation of these events to pursue policies that were previously shunned due to ethical, tactical, or strategic reasons.
However, it is crucial to consider the historical contexts that underpin the current crisis in Israel-Palestine. One key context dates back to the mid-19th century when evangelical Christianity in the West championed the “return of the Jews” as a religious millennial imperative. This movement advocated for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, linking it to the resurrection of the dead, the return of the Messiah, and the end of time. The fusion of geopolitical interests and the desire to address anti-Semitism in Europe led to the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917. This declaration laid the foundation for a settler colonial project that disregarded the presence of the indigenous Palestinian population.
Another significant context is the 1948 ethnic cleansing of Palestine, where Palestinians were forcefully expelled from their homes into the Gaza Strip. This expulsion was part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to maintain control over historical Palestine and minimize the presence of native Palestinians. The expulsion of Palestinians continued during and after the 1967 war, as well as from the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli occupation of these territories has subjected Palestinians to persistent collective punishment, harassment, and imprisonment.
The present crisis also encompasses the historical context of the 16-year-long siege on Gaza, where nearly half of the population are children. The UN warned in 2018 that the Gaza Strip would become uninhabitable by 2020. The siege was imposed in response to democratic elections won by Hamas, after Israel unilaterally withdrew from the territory. The isolation and control exerted by Israel on Gaza, coupled with aggressive policies towards holy places in Jerusalem, have exacerbated tensions.
Despite the recent devastating events, it is essential to recognize that they do not represent a game-changing event. The future of the region will continue to be shaped by Israel’s settler-colonial foundation, which influences its political DNA and ideological nature. Israel will persist as an apartheid state, as declared by human rights organizations, regardless of the unfolding situation in Gaza. The Palestinians, supported by numerous civil societies, will continue their struggle for liberation, while governments back Israel and provide it with immunity.
To break this cycle of bloodshed, a change of regime in Israel is necessary. This change should work towards equal rights for all and address the issue of Palestinian refugees. Without such a transformation, the conflict will persist, and the suffering will continue. It is imperative to contextualize and understand the historical roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict to pave the way for a just and sustainable resolution.
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