Narratives and Precedent for the Israeli-Hamas Conflict
A written summary of The Right Podcast's livestream on 4/25/24.
Recap
In the previous livestream, we delved into the origins and evolution of Hamas, tracing its roots back to the Muslim Brotherhood and its progression from charitable works and Islamic education to armed resistance during the first intifada. We explored how Hamas emerged as a distinct option from Fatah, positioning itself as an Islamist alternative and staunch opponents of a two-state solution. Examining Hamas's founding documents, albeit with modifications since the 1980s, provided a foundational understanding of its ideological underpinnings. We discussed Hamas's significant milestones, including its rise during the second intifada and its electoral victory fueled by dissatisfaction with failed peace efforts, painting Fatah as complicit with Israel and the West. The previous livestream also addressed the internal identity struggles within Hamas following its electoral success, shedding light on the complexities within the organization.
Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have played significant roles in shaping a new nationalist movement rooted in rejectionism of the two-state solution. Their ideology, based on Islamist principles, has forged alliances with other regional actors such as Hezbollah and Iran, stemming from a focus on Islam, shared anti-imperialist sentiments and a commitment to resistance against Israeli occupation. This Islamist-nationalist narrative has gradually eclipsed the once-dominant secular nationalist movements within the Palestinian struggle. The appeal of Islamism, with its emphasis on religious identity and resistance, has resonated deeply among Palestinians, especially in the face of stalled peace processes and ongoing occupation under secular leadership.
Anti-Authoritarians and Anti-Imperialism
However, acknowledging Hamas as part of the Palestinian resistance or liberation movement presents a complex challenge for anti-authoritarians and left-wing activists. While there is agreement in condemning Israeli military violence, questions arise regarding support for Hamas due to its fundamentalist Islamist ideology and tactics. This dilemma highlights the nuanced nature of anti-colonial and anti-imperialist efforts, which do not always align with left-wing or anti-authoritarian ideals. There exists right-wing, fundamentalist anti-imperialism as well, complicating solidarity efforts. Addressing these complexities is crucial for activists navigating solidarity with the diverse Palestinian resistance. It requires grappling with internal tensions within the movement while acknowledging regional political realities without succumbing to Western propaganda.
While these discussions may pose challenges and muddy messaging, they are essential for advancing a more nuanced understanding of solidarity and resistance in the Palestinian context. As activists, confronting these complexities head-on is necessary to build more inclusive and effective solidarity movements. This episode explores several key themes, including the concept of narrative, the notion of rejectionist victory, the impact of embargoes and prisoner swaps, and Hamas's response to popular movements. The discussion serves as a bridge to the next topic, highlighting the significance of the 2014 Gaza War as a precursor to Operation Iron Swords in 2023. This connection underscores the ongoing evolution of Hamas's tactics and the broader context of conflict in the region.
Hamas and Palestinian Resistance
Hamas, often portrayed as a one-dimensional villain, is deeply entrenched in the struggle for Palestinian freedom. However, it's crucial to recognize that Hamas is just one facet of the multifaceted quest for Palestinian liberation. While acknowledging Hamas's role, it's important to understand that the Palestinian struggle cannot be reduced to one organization. Collective punishment, regardless of its pretext of responding to Hamas, remains a grave violation of human rights. Hamas's presence is woven into the fabric of the Palestinian struggle, making it impossible to neatly separate the two. However, Hamas doesn't singularly define the entirety of the Palestinian movement and can even endanger portions of it.
Acknowledging this reality, it's also clear that Hamas holds a prominent position as both a political and military force among Palestinians, with only Fatah potentially rivaling its influence in the West Bank. This acknowledgment does not diminish the multifaceted nature of the Palestinian struggle; rather, it introduces additional layers of complexity to the landscape. Once conversation advances past the obvious need for condemnation of Israeli military actions, navigating the intricacies of the conflict becomes challenging. This complexity underscores the need for nuanced analysis and dialogue, acknowledging the intertwined nature of political, military, and religious dynamics within the Palestinian struggle. For example, Tareq Baconi’s insight on the Fire These Times podcast highlights a critical aspect of the discourse surrounding Palestinian elections. The call for elections often comes with the implicit goal of sidelining Hamas from the political arena. This perspective is particularly poignant considering Israel's current military actions are claiming to do the same. However, Baconi draws attention to the hypocrisy inherent in this stance.
When Hamas emerged victorious in the 2007 elections, external entities, including Israel, refused to acknowledge the outcome. Instead, Israel enforced a blockade on Gaza, sparking internal conflict, which led to tragic casualties among Palestinians. Some may argue that recognition from external powers, such as Israel, the United States, and others, is predicated upon the results and not democratic process. Baconi points out the perception that calls for elections may be driven more by a desire to impose a particular vision on the Palestinian nationalist movement, rather than genuine democratic principles. This perception echoes the failed peace talks, where external forces were perceived to dictate terms rather than engage in equitable dialogue. Moving beyond condemnation of Israel's brutality, we encounter the uncomfortable reality of complexity. Many prefer to simplify the narrative, focusing solely on Israel's actions. However, acknowledging the nuanced dynamics surrounding the Palestinian nationalist movement, exemplified here by complexities of elections, is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Messages about PFLP and Narratives
There are multiple narratives at play in the ongoing discourse, and it's crucial to delve into these varied perspectives. I've also received messages regarding the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which I believe ties into the broader theme of perception and narrative. The PFLP, along with the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), often attracts disproportionate attention from Western activists due to their Marxist backgrounds. Western activist groups sometimes downplay their influence, whether it's through speakers, language, or propaganda directly from these groups or their affiliates. Conversely, other Maoists and Marxist-Leninists openly lend their support to them.
Prior to the suspension of the Palestinian Legislative Council following Hamas's election victories in 2007, the PFLP held three seats, while the DFLP held one out of one hundred and thirty-two. To provide perspective, the infamous far-right Svoboda Party, often used in Russian propaganda to justify the invasion of Ukraine, held six seats in 2014 and one in 2019 in the Ukrainian parliament, which contains over four hundred seats in total. This illustrates how entities can symbolize more significance than their actual material presence, fueled by propaganda and narrative manipulation. However, despite their limited political representation, groups like the PFLP remain relevant for Communists seeking to understand grassroots analysis. In the future, I plan to dedicate time to explore the PFLP comprehensively, providing an overview of its ideology and tactics, ranging from written discourse to incidents such as plane hijackings and bombings.
While some on the left may resist the term "realistic” understanding the practical complexities of political movements remains important for analysis. For instance, if Hamas were to somehow achieve victory over Israel, a military feat given Israel's stance against a single-state solution, it's unlikely that an Islamist group like Hamas would willingly share power with Marxist-Leninist/Maoist factions, particularly those with limited popular support. In a hypothetical communist vision, such an outcome could potentially herald a new material reality, sparking fresh dialectics and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. However, the toll in terms of lives lost and infrastructure destroyed to reach such a point would be immense. Additionally, the presence of Israel's nuclear arsenal would add a dangerous layer of uncertainty to the situation. Although groups like the PFLP and DFLP may play a role in military operations against a shared adversary, “which always works out for the left as history shows…” and shape propaganda for external audiences and social media, their impact on governance would likely be marginalized compared to more dominant Islamist forces, if they are tolerated at all.
So, our discussion delved into the realm of perceptions and narratives, which are abundant among activist groups. It's important to note that while these perspectives may vary widely, they often hold elements of truth. Understanding these diverse frameworks, whether Marxist, Arab nationalist, pan-Arab, Islamist, Zionist, or others, is crucial, even if we may not agree with all of them. Take, for example, the historical paradigm of the Age of Nationalism, a topic seldom explored due to its rather mundane nature. This paradigm views the current situation as deeply intertwined with the rise of modern nationalism and the emergence of nation-states.
In this perspective nationalism is all encompassing from the advent of nationalism, which imposed the need to define national identity in ethnic and cultural terms, thus marginalizing Jews in Europe, exemplified by events like the Dreyfus Affair, to the concept of Zionism itself, which arose as a nationalist response to this disenfranchisement. Pre-World War I events, such as the Armenian genocide, and the war itself, defined by the clash of nationalist ambitions, contributed to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, a relic of pre-Age of Nationalism times. This collapse gave rise to numerous nationalist conflicts, from Kurdish to Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Arab, and Zionist aspirations, drawing new geopolitical lines not only in the Middle East but across multiple continents.
These historical undercurrents had profound impacts, shaping the geopolitical landscape of territories and countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the British Mandate for Palestine. In this historical context, the current conflict arises from a broader movement involving competing nationalist aspirations that spanned continents—a common occurrence during the era of its origin. The importance of this perspective lies in contextualizing the current situation, thereby diminishing the exceptionalism it possesses. Whether or not the viewpoint is accurate, it highlights how narrative and framework can lead to vastly different conclusions. These dynamics extend beyond Western mainstream media or government narratives; they encompass Zionist, Arab nationalist, Pan-Arab, Islamist, decolonialization and Marxist-Leninist narratives.
Hamas and Popular Resistance
Another noteworthy observation highlighted by Baconi was Hamas's strategic shift in tactics. Specifically, they began launching rockets at Israel in response to the forced evictions of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah. This shift marked a notable departure for Hamas, indicating its readiness to utilize military force not just for negotiation leverage or against the blockade, but specifically to protect Palestinians confronting displacement. Hamas similarly retaliated against perceived Israeli aggression during the 2018 Return March, which aimed to spotlight Palestinians' desire to reclaim their ancestral lands lost in 1948. Rejecting the Oslo Accords, the march staunchly advocated for the Right of Return. Approximately 50,000 Palestinians congregated at the Gaza border, resulting in over 60 fatalities and thousands wounded by day's end. Before departing from his leadership role within Hamas, Khaled Mashal emphasized the organization's readiness to participate in popular resistance, highlighting non-military methods of protest and defiance.
This shift prompts questions: Why the change in tactics from using weapons for negotiation to a response to Israeli suppression of non-military protests? Understanding this shift is important because of the broad implications for future forms of Palestinian resistance. The implications of Hamas supporting popular protests present both opportunities and risks. While it demonstrates Hamas's willingness to broaden its support, there's also the danger of popular movements being co-opted by an Islamist group. This is especially true for popular movements whose goals do not align with those of Hamas.
Rejectionist victories
Following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by right-wing nationalist Yigal Amir, the right-wing Likud party, led by Netanyahu, came to power. Netanyahu's government made little effort to conceal its disdain for the Oslo Accords, prioritizing Israel's security and asserting the historic right of the Jewish people to the entirety of the land of Israel—a sentiment echoed in his current statements. After the Mecca Agreement's failures in 2007, violent clashes erupted between Hamas and Fatah, resulting in Hamas seizing control of Gaza and Fatah maintaining authority in the West Bank. Netanyahu again assumed office in 2009 for his second term as prime minister, having previously worked to undermine the Oslo Accords and the peace process from the Israeli side. Meanwhile, Hamas, along with groups like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), maintained a rejectionist stance from the Palestinian side.
During this period, Israeli illegal settlements continued to expand beyond the green line, raising doubts about the feasibility of a two-state solution. The actions of Likud and other rightwing parties suggested a shift towards the Greater Israel concept, wherein a Palestinian state becomes increasingly unattainable, and the territory from the river to the sea is claimed by Israel. In response to Hamas's control of Gaza, Israel imposed a comprehensive land, air, and sea blockade on the territory, which is home to over two million people. This blockade severely restricts the movement of people and goods through Gaza's crossings, leading some to characterize the situation as akin to an open-air prison.
Efforts toward Fatah-Hamas reconciliation were underway, culminating in the formation of a unity government in 2014. This development holds significant importance, akin to Hamas's support for popular resistance, it also comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it signaled Hamas's willingness to potentially share power with a secular entity, addressing past criticisms of its refusal to do so in 2007. However, it also raised concerns. The unity government meant that the only political, secular group of significance advocating for a peaceful two-state solution was now in partnership with a potentially eliminationist force, posing challenges to the pursuit of peaceful resolution and coexistence.
Origins of Current Events and Significance of Prisoner Exchanges
In 2014, the tragic incident known as the Gush Etzion kidnapping and murder occurred, involving the abduction of three Israeli teenagers hitchhiking home in the West Bank. Israeli authorities identified two Palestinian suspects, allegedly affiliated with Hamas, who were at large. Hamas denied responsibility for the incident. During the investigation, Israel responded by closing off the Hebron region and partially sealing Gaza's crossing points, actions viewed by Palestinian groups as collective punishment. Several arrests were made, including that of Hassan Yousef, a Hamas founder and legislator, along with other members of parliament and former government ministers. However, Netanyahu sought to extend blame to Hamas and the Palestinian Authority at large, using the situation to undermine peace efforts.
Amidst escalating tensions, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes near Hebron, while rockets were fired into Israel. In response, Israel conducted air raids on training sites for Palestinian paramilitaries, resulting in civilian injuries. Later, a senior Hamas member made remarks at a Muslim scholars conference in Turkey, suggesting Hamas's involvement in the abduction and murders of the students. The recorded statement attributed the abduction to the al-Qassam's mujahedeen, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails. Hamas's political chief, Khalid Meshal, made a statement on Al Jazeera, expressing congratulations to the abductors and solidarity for Palestinian prisoners. These events played a role in sparking the Operation Brother's Keeper, which led to the mass arrest of individuals alleged to be associated with Hamas in the West Bank.
Prisoner exchanges have long been a crucial element in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, with Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar, himself having been held in Israeli detention and later freed in such swaps. This practice dates to the 1940s and underscores the enduring significance of prisoner issues in the conflict. This context is essential to consider, particularly as October 7th is often depicted as a revolutionary watershed moment. While it may hold ideological and psychological significance, the material aftermath involved the taking of hostages for negotiation or exchange—a practice that has persisted for decades.
The tit-for-tat exchanges ultimately led to Operation Protective Edge in 2014, marking a major escalation point following the 2007 elections. From the Palestinian perspective, the goals included weakening the blockade, halting Israel's offensive military operations, and implementing a third party to oversee a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The conflict resulted in devastating Palestinian casualties. In Gaza, over 2,000 individuals lost their lives, with more than 10,000 sustaining injuries. Shockingly, civilian casualties accounted for as much as 65% to 70%, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry and the UN. The toll on children was particularly severe, with an estimated 373,000 requiring psychosocial support to cope with the trauma.
Meanwhile, Hamas and other militant groups launched rockets into Israeli civilian centers, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and causing serious injuries. Beyond the immediate physical harm, these attacks induced psychological distress among the Israeli population, ranging from anxiety to paranoia. The conflict sparked widespread protests worldwide, with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations taking place. Subsequent polls conducted after the ceasefire revealed a vast majority denouncing the ceasefire and expressing massive support for the operation. Approximately 50% of respondents favored continuing the conflict until Hamas was removed from power. This shift in public opinion represented a significant departure from the trajectory of the 1990s and served as a precursor to the dynamics observed in the present day.
During the conflict, several significant points emerged:
Hamas reportedly killed over 30 Palestinians who were protesting the group, with Hamas claiming they were spies. Additionally, Hamas admitted to employing plainclothes agents to identify potential spies, resulting in further Palestinian casualties during a food handout.
Amnesty International reported that Hamas utilized Al-Shifa Hospital to detain, interrogate, and torture Palestinian suspects. Multiple news agencies, including The Times of Israel and RT, documented rockets being fired from civilian areas, particularly near Al-Shifa Hospital. It's noteworthy that allegations of such practices originated not only from Israeli sources but also from the Palestinian Health Ministry, operated by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, as well as from doctors on the ground. Hamas acknowledged using residential areas as cover for rocket fire, justifying it by stating that Gaza's continuous urban landscape made it unavoidable.
Regarding Israel, beyond the substantial civilian casualty rate, were allegations of targeting hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) faced criticism for not allowing civilians enough time to evacuate before conducting strikes, resulting in the destruction of approximately 89,000 homes and other infrastructure, including schools. Seventeen journalists lost their lives during the conflict, and others were coerced into signing waivers stating that the IDF was not responsible for ensuring their safety in Gaza, which contravenes international law. These points are significant because they mirror many of the allegations made in the current iteration of the conflict. Understanding these precedents provides valuable context for the ongoing situation:
· Hamas's use of civilian zones and hospitals for military purposes.
· Israel's alleged targeting of hospitals.
· Intimidation and violence against journalists by both sides.
· Israel's alleged failure to provide sufficient evacuation time, resulting in high civilian casualty rates.
Recognizing that current events are intertwined with significant actions of the past 5, 10, or 20 years is essential. Many discussions dominating recent months have roots in contemporary times as opposed to historical events that often receive significant attention on social media. So, while abstract ideological debates hold importance, it's vital to acknowledge the tangible impact of ongoing developments on the ground. We must ensure that the narratives we choose to engage with are not merely those that align with our worldview but those that reflect the complexity of the current situation.
Wrap up
In summary, our exploration has provided a comprehensive understanding of Hamas's origins, evolution, and significant milestones, tracing its trajectory from a charitable and educational entity to an armed resistance movement. We've delved into Hamas's ideological underpinnings, its rejectionist stance against a two-state solution, and its emergence as a prominent player in the Palestinian nationalist movement. Our discussion has shed light on the complexities within Hamas, particularly its internal identity struggles following electoral success and its alliances with other regional actors.
We've examined the broader implications of Hamas's rise, highlighting the shift towards an Islamist-nationalist narrative and its impact on the Palestinian struggle. We’ve also addressed the challenges faced by anti-authoritarians and left-wing activists in navigating solidarity efforts, given Hamas's fundamentalist ideology and tactics. The analysis has extended beyond Hamas to encompass broader themes such as collective punishment and prisoner exchanges. Ultimately, our discussion underscores the need for nuanced analysis and dialogue, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the diverse perspectives at play. By confronting these complexities head-on, we can foster more inclusive and effective solidarity movements in support of Palestinian liberation.
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Referecnes
Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance
https://mondoweiss.net/2023/03/five-years-on-gazas-great-march-of-return-changed-peoples-lives/