Gaza’s Historical Background: Palestine Interviews
Israel’s Attacks on Gaza: A Historical Perspective
The ongoing attacks on Gaza by Israel, which intensified after Hamas’s “Aqsa Flood Operation” on October 7, have resulted in unprecedented destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. Amidst this turmoil, discussions surrounding the historical background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been brought to the forefront. Omer Bartov, a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, recently shared his insights on the conflict with ntv.com.tr, shedding light on the events before and after October 7.
1. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
Bartov emphasizes that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should not be viewed as an Arab-Jewish or Arab-Israeli war. Instead, he argues that it is a Palestinian-Israeli war, highlighting the importance of this distinction. He underlines that labeling this conflict as a war between Jews and Arabs plays into the Israeli government’s propaganda and risks sliding into anti-Semitism. Bartov points out that many Jews worldwide, including in Israel, oppose the war, emphasizing that the conflict is specific to Palestinians and Israelis. He stresses the need for addressing the Palestinian issue with equality and justice to bring an end to the cycle of violence.
2. Genocide Accusations:
Addressing the accusations of genocide leveled against both Hamas and Israel, Bartov clarifies that while neither side can be equated to Nazis, there are grounds for characterizing their actions as genocidal. He points to Hamas’s charter calling for the elimination of Israel and the Israeli army’s operations in Gaza as potential instances of genocide, as recognized by the International Court of Justice. However, he warns against oversimplifying the situation and urges a nuanced understanding of the complexities at play.
Germany’s Dilemma:
Germany’s stance on Israel’s attacks on Gaza is complicated by its historical responsibility to the Holocaust legacy. While Germany has traditionally supported Israel due to its security concerns and Holocaust remembrance, Bartov suggests that the current international legal scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza may force Germany to reassess its position. He argues that Germany may need to find a balance between safeguarding Israel’s existence and criticizing its violations of international law.
Opposition Within Israel:
Bartov discusses the various factions within Israeli society that oppose the war, including anti-war groups and ultra-Orthodox Jews. He notes that while there are voices advocating for peace and ceasefire, the prevailing sentiment in Israel continues to support the war. Bartov also touches upon the anti-war ultra-Orthodox Jews’ unique perspective, rooted in their theological beliefs and opposition to Zionism.
Looking Ahead:
In analyzing the current situation in the occupied territories and the future of Palestinian territories, Bartov highlights the Israeli government’s agenda to increase settlements and diminish Palestinian rights. He warns of escalating settler violence and the erosion of Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Bartov also condemns the US’s Antisemitism Awareness Act as a dangerous restriction on free speech and criticism of Israel, cautioning against conflating support for Gaza with anti-Semitism.
In conclusion, Omer Bartov’s critical analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and underscores the urgent need for a just and equitable resolution to ensure lasting peace in the region.
