The Conflict Arising in Palestine & Israel
Here is what you need to know about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict:
Tensions between Israel and Palestine have been going on since 1948 and have been rapidly escalating in recent years. The biggest misconception about this conflict is that it is solely based on religion or a fight over land — that is far from the truth.
“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” -Nelson Mandela
How did this conflict start?
Israel, a settler colony, has been attempting to colonize Palestine by invading, performing ethnic cleansing, and also establishing apartheid. Due to the support of various countries and Zionist terrorist groups, who have destroyed over 500+ Palestinian towns and villages, Israel has been able to mask this situation as “religious conflict”. Israel is also responsible for over 7 million Palestinian refugees and continues to deny their right to freedom, justice, and the right to return to their country.
Why have tensions started to rise recently?
Several things have led to tensions rising in the Middle East such as the protests at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the final Friday of Ramadan, the Israeli officers raiding the Mosque, and a legal battle to remove Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem.
These families have been living in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood since 1956— in an arrangement organized by the United Nations. Nahalat Shimon, an Israeli nationalist organization, is using a law that was passed in 1970 after Israel gained control over East Jerusalem to argue that the owners of the land before 1948 were Jewish families. Saying that current Palestinian families should be removed and give their homes to Israeli Jewish families.
There have been protests for several weeks and plenty of physical violence among Palestinians, Israelis, and the Israeli police. Israeli jets have been bombing Palestinian law enforcement buildings, military sites, and homes. In retaliation, about 1,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza to several places in Israel. The United Nations is fearing a “full-scale war” to come in the next few weeks or months.
One may be reading this or trying to keep up with the news and think “how can I help when I am so far away?” You can educate yourself and become an advocate for Palestinians, write a statement of support, or write to your state’s congresswoman/man and senator urging them to cut military aid to Israel. Donations can be made to the Medical Aid for Palestine or the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
*Please click the links for more information on ways you can help.*
