“The last paradox is that the tale of Palestine from the beginning until today is a simple story of colonialism and dispossession, yet the world treats it as a multifaceted and complex story—hard to understand and even harder to solve.”
― Noam Chomsky, On Palestine
When confronted about my unwavering commitment to the pro-Palestinian cause, despite lacking Palestinian or Arab heritage, I emphasized that my dedication goes beyond the fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and compassion for Palestinians, including their rightful claim to ancestral lands, self-governance, and self-determination. Palestinians have been forced to rely on Israel for basic necessities and are the subjects of daily surveillance. Their routine, commute, and essential movement all require permission from Israel.
My upbringing in Pakistan played a pivotal role in shaping my resolute pro-Palestinian stance. At a young age, I was immersed in an environment that fostered critical discussions about Israel and Zionism, largely due to our involvement in a community with pronounced anti-Israel sentiments. It is worth noting, however, that this perspective varied within the community, with some individuals holding antisemitic views. It is this upbringing that not only shaped my outlook, but also fueled my commitment to advocate for Palestinian rights.
Eqbal Ahmad (1930-1999) was a Pakistani-American scholar, activist, and anti-imperialist known for his passionate advocacy of global justice and the Palestinian cause. He was a a critical voice in the discourse on colonialism, imperialism, and social justice. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ahmad recognized the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. He believed that the PLO's struggle for self-determination was just, given the historical injustices faced by the Palestinian population.
However, as time passed, Ahmad became critical of the PLO's strategies, particularly its military tactics and its engagement with the United States and other international powers. He believed that the PLO's efforts should focus on political and diplomatic solutions rather than armed struggle.
Ahmad was, essentially, a pacifist. He also identified as a social-democrat.
As I reflect on the learnings of Eqbal—another Pakistani who I imagine shared the feelings I and so many of us feel towards Israel and Palestine today—I realize that a deep understanding of unbelonging, exile, and displacement breeds empathy and compels one to advocate for the sovereignty of others. My own journey as a displaced Pakistani in the western world of whiteness, separated from my homeland for eight long years—a land where both my dreams and nightmares take place—imbues me with a profound sense of purpose. I firmly believe that being dedicated to Palestinian liberation is not merely a choice but an inherent obligation, for to do otherwise would be to squander the life experiences and intellect I have managed to cultivate.
It's worth noting that Pakistan remains unique in its policy of prohibiting its citizens from entering Israel, while being the only nation state in the world that does not recognize Armenia’s sovereignty. This sanctimonious geopolitical stance underscores the historical and deeply rooted sentiments surrounding this issue. How can Pakistan be so against one occupation, yet justify the other? This ‘selective’ support for liberation is hypocritical at best. But back to current events.
“The idea of freedom is inspiring. But what does it mean? If you are free in a political sense but have no food, what's that? The freedom to starve?”
― Angela Y. Davis
It is imperative to maintain a nuanced understanding of Hamas as an Islamic militant organization, paralleling the characteristics of groups such as the Taliban. While it is crucial to emphasize that they do not represent the entirety of the Palestinian civilian population, comprehending the origins of these groups sheds light on their existence. Why does Hamas, and other armed groups, exist?
Much akin to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, these organizations emerged as responses to U.S. imperialism in the region, initially taking root in Shiite rebellion movements in Syria and Iran. A historical parallel can be drawn to the formation of the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, which received substantial funding from the U.S. and Pakistani intelligence, primarily to counter the presence of Soviet forces (and even led to the heroin epidemic you see in South Asia today).
These groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, derive considerable support from larger state actors. While unequivocally condemning violence and advocating for the protection of innocent lives, it is crucial to delve into the underlying motivations and contextualize their actions. Hamas and Hezbollah, for instance, are reactive entities to the presence of Israeli occupying forces, which have caused significant harm to innocent Palestinians, particularly in the past decade.
Acknowledging these circumstances does not, by any means, validate their use of violence. Critiques of their methods are essential. Simultaneously, it is pertinent to acknowledge that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have engaged in sustained, substantial violence over an extended period of time. Currently, they have managed to kille over 2500 Gazans of which nearly 800 were children, and trap 1000 civilians under rubble, all in just one weekend.
Now Israel has cut off food, water and electricity, and the Israeli military is championing an attack on all citizens of Gaza, as apparently, they are all guilty of Hamas’ actions. When viewed through a historical lens, it becomes evident that oppressed populations have often resorted to armed resistance in response to persistent subjugation. What other choice do they have? Either they fight or they die.
And unlike Eqbal Ahmad, I am not a pacifist. I believe in their right to resist.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
من النهر إلى البحر ستتحرر فلسطين
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<3 via palestina <3 thank you for writing from a south asian perspective.