Palestinian Land Occupation: The Root Cause of Conflict

Palestinian Land Occupation: The Root Cause of Conflict

The question of peace between Muslims and Jews often hinges on the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some claim that Islam's insistence on wiping out Jews is a driving force behind the ongoing strife, a more nuanced and accurate analysis reveals that the core issue is the occupation of Palestinian land by Israel. This occupation is a contentious subject that has stirred deep-seated conflicts and human rights violations. Let us delve into the core issues and explore why it is not a religious war, but a struggle for land, sovereignty, and justice.

Refuting the Accusation of Religious War

It is crucial to recognize that framing the conflict as a religious war is a misinterpretation of the issue at hand. The 2014 Israeli operation in Gaza, often referred to as the Siege of Gaza, illustrates an instance where the conflict took a violent turn, but it was not driven by religious motives but rather by land occupation and the resulting injustices.

Imagine the scenario where a Christian family in America has their home forcibly occupied by Muslims who then deny them entry to reclaim their property. Instead of resolving the dispute through legal channels, the occupiers begin launching attacks. If you were to defend your home, would it then escalate into a religious conflict? Absolutely not. This kind of approach ignores the historical and legal context that is central to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The Necessity of Addressing the Root Cause

The root cause of the conflict is the continuous occupation of Palestinian land by Israel, which has been ongoing for decades. Israel has instituted military colonization, settlement, and a rigid occupation regime, which have exacerbated the situation. Instead of focusing on religious differences, it is essential to address these structural injustices.

Aizenstadt, an Israeli academic, observed that, 'Zionists hate Ilan Pappé because he exposes the historical and social contexts underlying the conflict. The real issue is not about religion but about land and the violation of Palestinian rights. The world must look at the root cause, which is occupation, and work towards a solution that respects the rights of all peoples.'

Human Rights and the Nakba

The term Nakba (which translates to 'catastrophe' in Arabic) refers to the systematic and continuous process of the dispossession and forced displacement of Palestinians. This destabilization has created a state of concentration camp conditions for the Palestinians, where they face significant human rights violations. The UNSC resolution 194, which reaffirms the right to return for Palestinian refugees, has been ignored, further deepening the divide.

Moshe Dayan, a former chief of the Israeli Defense Forces, made a pivotal remark in a funeral speech in 1956: 'Let us not cast the blame on the murderers today; let us not divert the attention from occupation to religion, Quran or Bible or Torah. The conflict is about Palestinian land that Israel has occupied.' This statement underscores the importance of addressing the occupation rather than religious differences.

The Objective of the Conflict

The conflict is not driven by religious animosity but by the Palestinian desire for sovereignty and dignity. As Chas Freeman, a former American diplomat, explained, the 2014 attack on Israel was not a terrorist attack, but a 'jailbreak.' It was a revolt by Palestinians who had no other means to challenge their oppressors. This perspective shifts the focus from a religious perspective to a humanitarian and legal one.

The violence in Gaza can be seen as the result of a hopeless condition, where suffering and oppression have become unbearable, leading individuals to seek any means to bring change. The strategic reality of the situation can be politically empowering, as demonstrated by the surprise attack on Israel. This should prompt a reevaluation of the current approach to the conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution based on respect for human rights and legal frameworks.

Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rooted in the occupation of Palestinian land, which has led to significant human rights violations and a tragic cycle of violence. Misrepresenting the conflict as a religious war is not only inaccurate but also distracts from the real issues at hand. By focusing on the root cause—occupation and the resulting injustice—the international community can contribute to a more effective and lasting peace.