Faithful Allies: The Religious Roots of America’s Unwavering Support for Israel
Understanding the U.S.-Israel relationship requires a comprehensive look at the various narratives involved, and this naturally includes the Palestinian perspective. For Palestinians, the history and politics surrounding Israel and its ties to the U.S. evoke a complex set of emotions and responses, deeply intertwined with their quest for self-determination, justice, and human rights. This chapter seeks to provide an overview of the Palestinian perspective on these issues, recognizing the diversity of views within the Palestinian community.
1. Historical Context
- Nakba (The Catastrophe): An overview of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the resulting displacement of an estimated 700,000 Palestinian Arabs.
- Post-1967 Occupations: Discussion of the aftermath of the Six-Day War, where Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
2. The Right of Return and Refugees
- Displacement: The Palestinian diaspora’s formation and the challenges faced by refugees in host countries and camps.
- UN Resolution 194: The Palestinian emphasis on the right of return, rooted in international law and UN resolutions.
3. Jerusalem: A City Divided
- Religious Significance: Jerusalem’s importance to both Muslims and Christians, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- East Jerusalem: The Palestinian view on the annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel and its significance as the intended capital of a future Palestinian state.
4. U.S. Foreign Policy and Palestine
- Perceived Bias: The Palestinian perspective on U.S. foreign policy as being overwhelmingly pro-Israel, especially regarding military aid and diplomatic support in international forums.
- Peace Process: The U.S. role in mediating peace talks, including the Oslo Accords and more recent initiatives, and Palestinian reservations about the U.S.’ impartiality.
5. Settlements and the Two-State Solution
- Israeli Settlements: The Palestinian view on the continuous expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as a significant obstacle to peace.
- Vision for Statehood: The aspiration for a sovereign, contiguous Palestinian state and challenges to achieving this vision.
6. Gaza Strip: Blockade and Wars
- Economic and Humanitarian Crisis: The effects of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza and the resulting humanitarian challenges.
- Wars and Conflicts: Palestinian perspectives on the recurrent conflicts between Israel and Hamas.
7. Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas: A Divided Leadership
- PA’s Role: The establishment and role of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, its relations with the U.S., and criticisms it faces.
- Hamas’s Ascendancy: The rise of Hamas in Gaza, its ideological differences with the PA, and its view on resistance.
8. Grassroots Movements and Nonviolent Resistance
- Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement: The global movement’s goals and strategies to pressure Israel into meeting Palestinian demands.
- Nonviolent Protests: Examples of Palestinian nonviolent resistance, like the First Intifada and recent protests.
Conclusion
The Palestinian perspective on the U.S.-Israel relationship is complex and multifaceted. At its core is a quest for recognition, justice, and a sovereign homeland. While there are diverse views within the Palestinian community about the path forward, there’s a shared history of displacement, occupation, and resistance that deeply influences their perspective on international relations, especially with regards to the U.S. and Israel.