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Baroud, Ramzy

The War on Gaza: Five Key Takeaways about the Palestinian Struggle

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The past year of relentless Israeli war on Gaza and bloody raids in the West Bank has been characterized by horrific humanitarian outcomes, with tens of thousands of casualties, the destruction of Gaza, and devastation in the West Bank. However, beyond the humanitarian urgency, several crucial conclusions can be drawn about the long-term consequences of the war. Palestinian resilience and agency have emerged as key factors, as well as the increasing unity and activism of Arab and Muslim societies worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Palestinian agency and resilience:** Despite the Israeli occupation, siege, and failures of their leadership, Palestinians have demonstrated powerful agency and collective resilience, which has enabled them to withstand the war machine and continue to resist.
  • **Arab unity on the Palestinian cause:** Arab societies, despite their own struggles, remain united in perceiving the Palestinian cause as a top priority, with many Arab governments reaffirming their stance on the centrality of the Palestinian issue.
  • **Global South's support for Palestine:** The Global South, including countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South America, is becoming increasingly vocal and bold in their demands for justice for Palestinians and the equal application of international law.
  • **UN General Assembly's breakthrough:** The UNGA passed a resolution assigning a deadline for the end of the Israeli occupation, which effectively declared null and void all Israeli actions in the Occupied Territories, including settlements and annexation.
  • **Global solidarity and paradigm shift:** The war on Gaza has galvanized a new generation of people worldwide, leading to a growing global consciousness and movement in support of Palestine, which may eventually result in a paradigm shift: justice for the Palestinian people.
  • **Superior firepower vs. national will:** The war has demonstrated that no amount of weapons can break the will of a nation that has vowed to restore its dignity and win its freedom, no matter the cost.

Statistics:

  • The war in Gaza has resulted in unparalleled destruction, with estimates suggesting that it will take tens of billions of dollars and decades to reverse. (Source: UNCTAD)
  • Over 50 years of Israeli occupation has led to the displacement of millions of Palestinians, with the current siege and policies exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. (Source: Amnesty International)
  • The Global South is comprised of over 100 countries, with many of them actively involved in the campaign for justice and rights for the Palestinian people. (Source: AA.com)

Sources:

  • Amnesty International - "50 Years of Dispossession"
  • Euro-Med Monitor - "The Gaza Strip"
  • UNCTAD - "Unprecedented Destruction"
  • Refugees International - "Untangling the Reality of Famine in Gaza"
  • Middle East Monitor - "Protests for Gaza across the Arab world"
  • Research.sharqforum.org - "The Global Solidarity with the Palestinian Cause"
  • CBS News - "Kamala Harris on Israel and Iran"
  • AA.com - "1 Year of Gaza Genocide"
  • UNGA - "Resolution A/ES-10/L.31/Rev.1"
  • The Palestine Chronicle - "One Year On - Five Things the War on Gaza Taught Us about the Palestinian Struggle"

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