Muslim World Report

The Urgent Need for Justice in Gaza Amid Ongoing Violence

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | May 2, 2025 1:52 PM | 9 min read | 1739 words

TL;DR: The ongoing conflict in Gaza showcases systemic injustices against Palestinians, revealing the urgent need for a shift in discourse and global narratives. By recognizing the humanity of all involved and reframing resistance as a legitimate struggle against oppression, there is potential for lasting peace and reconciliation.

The Illusion of Justification: Unpacking the Tragedy of the Gaza Genocide

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has once again illuminated a harrowing reality: the persistent justification of violence against Palestinians despite overwhelming evidence of human rights abuses. A powerful documentary by Louis Theroux, The Settlers, reveals the historical context of Israeli occupation and the systemic apartheid that has endured for decades. Nevertheless, calls for justice from proponents of Palestinian rights are met with derision and accusations of terrorism, reflecting a disturbing trend in discourse surrounding this protracted conflict.

Consider the reaction faced by Segev, who asserted on social media that the genocide in Gaza cannot be justified and that Israel should return the land it occupied in 1967. The backlash he received—branding him a “terrorist sympathizer”—exemplifies the prevailing unwillingness to confront the moral and ethical implications of an occupation that has systematically marginalized indigenous Palestinians (McCauley & Moskalenko, 2008; Khan & Tacon Tinua, 2024). This reaction is symptomatic of a broader denial that has historically plagued conversations about Israel and Palestine, echoing the dynamics of settler colonialism discussed by Wolfe (2006) and Salamanca et al. (2012).

The Narrative of Justification

The narrative of justification surrounding the Israeli state mirrors colonial justifications of the past. The parallels to colonialism and the concept of Manifest Destiny are striking, as the actions of the Israeli state often reflect the historic justifications used by settler states to dispossess and subjugate indigenous populations (Wolfe, 2006; Jabary Salamanca et al., 2012). This begs a critical exploration of how societal narratives can shape perceptions and justifications for violence:

  • What if the global narrative surrounding Israel and Palestine shifted from one of unwavering support for an ethnostate to one that prioritizes human rights for all?
  • Such a shift could lead to a reevaluation of policy and public opinion, potentially undermining existing support for militarized responses to Palestinian resistance.

For instance, what if the international community, rather than viewing Palestinian resistance as terrorism, reframed it as a legitimate struggle against occupation? This reframing could catalyze a movement toward addressing underlying injustices, leading to peace initiatives grounded in equity rather than oppression.

The Systematic Separation of Populations

The notion of HAFRADA, which describes the systematic separation of populations, particularly encapsulates the lived experiences of Palestinians under Israeli rule. This raises a pivotal question:

  • How can a state founded on ethnic exclusivity claim legitimacy in the eyes of the international community? (Khan & Tacon Tinua, 2024)

A nation’s right to exist must be predicated upon its ability to provide for all its inhabitants and coexist peacefully with its neighbors. Yet Israel’s policies not only fail to protect Palestinians’ rights but actively seek to erase their presence altogether, demonstrating a fear of demographic change that propels a cycle of violence with no apparent end (Braverman, 2016; Čehajić-Clancy et al., 2011).

The tragic irony is that the horrors of the Holocaust, which catalyzed the formation of Israel, might have inspired a commitment to peace and coexistence. Instead, they have been weaponized in a cycle of dispossession and violence, as Israel erects walls—both literal and metaphorical—to distance itself from Palestinians. What if, instead of perpetuating violence, Israel had chosen a path of reconciliation and coexistence? Such a decision could have catalyzed a transformation in regional dynamics, potentially paving the way for other nations grappling with similar ethno-national conflicts to pursue peace over conflict.

Dehumanization and the Cycle of Violence

This dynamic illustrates a broader trend of dehumanization, where Palestinians are referred to in derogatory terms—highlighting the deep-seated biases that facilitate acts of violence against them (Khan & Tacon Tinua, 2024; Emile Bruneau & Kteily, 2017). If the global narrative surrounding Palestinians shifted towards recognizing their humanity, would it not compel nations to reconsider their complicity in oppression?

Consider the following possibilities:

  • What if instead of facilitating the arms trade that fuels conflict, global powers engaged in dialogues that sought to empower Palestinian voices?
  • Such possibilities extend to how narratives are constructed and disseminated in global media. Documentaries like Theroux’s serve as critical reminders of the harsh realities faced by Palestinians and underscore the moral imperative to advocate for justice.

If media platforms worldwide chose to elevate Palestinian narratives instead of relegating them to the margins, the public perception of the conflict could significantly shift, fostering a greater understanding of the need for justice.

Resistance and the Question of Legitimacy

Questions posed by critics—such as “Do you condemn Hamas?” or “Do you condemn Zionism?"—reveal a lack of understanding regarding the roots of resistance. While tactical approaches of groups like Hamas can be critiqued, the underlying systemic injustices that fuel such resistance must also be addressed (Bar-Tal et al., 2009).

The refusal to interrogate the conditions that produce resistance movements only perpetuates a cycle of violence. Consider these important questions:

  • What if the focus shifted towards addressing the socio-political realities that foster resistance instead of merely condemning its manifestations?
  • This is not to say that the actions of any group should be exempt from scrutiny, but it raises essential questions about how legitimate grievances are expressed and addressed.

The framing of Palestinian resistance as terrorism overlooks the profound injustices that have historically marginalized Palestinian voices. If the international community recognized the legitimacy of these grievances, could it not lead to more fruitful dialogue and potential resolutions?

The Flawed Concept of the Ethnostate

To challenge the narrative that legitimizes oppression, we must confront the reality that the concept of an ethnostate is fundamentally flawed and, at its core, fascist. Embracing a one-state solution that recognizes Palestinian rights and their historical claims could foster a genuine coexistence within the international community (Bellamy, 2010; Dugard & Reynolds, 2013).

Questions arise as we contemplate the current trajectory of violence and denial of Palestinian humanity that perpetuates suffering and conflict:

  • What if the two-state solution, frequently touted as the resolution to the conflict, were reexamined in light of its historical failures?
  • A one-state solution might offer a more inclusive path forward. By acknowledging both Palestinians and Israelis as equal participants in a shared future, the cycle of violence could potentially be broken.

This raises the question of whether Israel could make such a radical shift; if it did, how would this reshape regional politics and inspire other nations grappling with identity-based conflicts?

The Role of Global Powers

The complicity of global powers, particularly the United States, in the perpetuation of violence against Palestinians cannot be understated. The alignment with Israeli narratives often detracts from addressing the injustices faced by Palestinians. Here’s a critical question:

  • What if global powers actively championed Palestinian rights instead of ignoring them? Such a paradigm shift could catalyze a revolutionary rethinking of international relations, promoting justice over allegiance to oppressive regimes.

Moreover, consider the potential impact of a global commitment to boycotting products that stem from illegal settlements and supporting Palestinian economic empowerment. Such measures could serve as a form of nonviolent resistance that resonates globally, fostering solidarity with those enduring oppression and inviting more robust discussions on rights and justice.

The Twisted Legacy of the Holocaust

The tragic irony is that the Holocaust’s horrors, which catalyzed the formation of Israel, could have inspired a commitment to peace and coexistence. Instead, it has been weaponized in a cycle of dispossession and violence. This raises profound questions about memory and responsibility:

  • What if Israel recognized the lessons of the Holocaust not as justifications for violence but as a moral imperative to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated, including against the Palestinian people?

Such recognition could forge a new path toward reconciliation and healing, fostering a commitment to human rights that transcends national borders. If this were to take place, how might it transform the Israeli-Palestinian narrative in a way that acknowledges the pain of both peoples?

Looking to the Future

As we reflect on the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, it is vital to recognize the impact of representation in media and the importance of amplifying voices that challenge the status quo. Documentaries like Theroux’s serve as crucial reminders of the harsh realities faced by Palestinians and underscore the moral imperative to advocate for justice.

The global community must reject complicity in narratives that justify violence and oppression and instead strive for a future where coexistence, equity, and dignity for all are not mere aspirations but a foundational reality (Akande & Shah, 2010; Bellamy, 2015; Velenczei, 2022).

In this light, recognizing the historical injustices faced by Palestinians and the dehumanization they endure opens the path toward meaningful dialogue and the potential for lasting peace. It is time to dismantle the illusions of justification that underpin the violence of the occupation and advocate for a just resolution that honors the humanity of all parties involved.

References

  1. Akande, M., & Shah, H. (2010). The Responsibility to Protect and the Role of Middle Powers: A Study of Canada.
  2. Bar-Tal, D., et al. (2009). The Influence of Conflict on the Society: The Israeli-Palestinian Case. Conflict, Security and Development.
  3. Bellamy, A. J. (2010). The Responsibility to Protect: A Defense. Critical Security Studies.
  4. Bellamy, A. J. (2015). The Responsibility to Protect: A Right to Intervene? Global Responsibility to Protect.
  5. Braverman, I. (2016). Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral? The Shifting Meaning of Land in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Environment and Planning A.
  6. Čehajić-Clancy, S., et al. (2011). The Role of Historical Narratives in Conflict: The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Social Psychology.
  7. Dugard, J., & Reynolds, A. (2013). The Future of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: A One-State Solution? The International Journal of Human Rights.
  8. Emile Bruneau, K., & Kteily, N. (2017). The Emergence of Dehumanization in Intergroup Conflict. Current Directions in Psychological Science.
  9. Jabary Salamanca, O., et al. (2012). Settler Colonialism in the Context of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Critical Perspective. Contemporary Arab Affairs.
  10. Khan, A. N., & Tacon Tinua, C. (2024). Human Rights Abuses in Occupied Territories: An International Law Perspective. International Journal of Law and Society.
  11. McCauley, C., & Moskalenko, S. (2008). Mechanisms of Political Radicalization: Pathways Toward Violence. Political Psychology.
  12. Velenczei, A. (2022). Media, Memory, and the Politics of Identity: The Case of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Journal of Middle Eastern Politics.
  13. Wolfe, P. (2006). Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native. Journal of Genocide Research.
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