Some early reflections on occupation: A bit of context

Palestine is an occupied territory. I think it is important to remember this. Living in an occupied territory means that you feel dis-empowered and disconnected from your land. It means that you are constantly having your right to be mobile within your own land infringed upon. It means that basic resources such as water are taken away from you and given to your occupiers. It means that you have to watch the gradual colonisation of your land as new settlements are built. It breeds resentment and a bitterness that is difficult to overcome.

In 1948 the country was partitioned into two states - an Israeli state and a Palestinian state. This was a controversial bisection in itself, Palestinians feeling like they had just lost half their land. Violence existed between the two states for the next 20 years but finally erupted into a decisive war in 1967. It was in 1967 that Israel occupied Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Since then, the debate has largely revolved around a fair and balanced two-state solution. Any questioning of the existence of Israel now seems archaic and unrealistic, though many Palestinians do still reject the existence of an Israeli state. Most supporters of Palestine (and the United Nations) are pushing for a two-state solution that will return to the pre 1967 status quo. This would see a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestine, a free and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and free Palestinian access to Old Jerusalem, where Muslims can access holy sites such as Al' Aqsa mosque and The Dome of the Rock. Seems like an easy decision doesn't it?

Taken from http://markmartinezshow.blogspot.com

The strong perspectives on either side seem somewhat understandable. It is understandable that the Jewish people sought a homeland in the 19th century in the wake of persistent persecution across Europe. It is understandable that this search became more militant after the holocaust and Jews became more determined to secure their own state at any cost. It is understandable that Europe felt guilty after World War Two and assisted Israel in the creation of an independent state. It is understandable that Palestinians in return felt completely forgotten about as they watched a significant chunk of their land being given to someone else. It is understandable that some turned to violence as a form of resistance after the 1967 war. It is understandable that Jews felt once more under attack as rockets flew into their territory, and thus only darkened their opinion of their neighbours (though, to be sure, 'terrorist acts' have occurred on both sides since 1945). It is understandable that Palestinians in turn grew increasingly angry as occupation of their land intensified and pathetic peace deals were offered. How can one overcome these deep wounds of history? And what right do I, arriving from the other side of the world, have in insisting that both sides transcend their differences and create a peaceful resolution. Will Israel really relinquish its power? Can Palestine really overcome its feeling of injustice?     

Add to this the less reasonable fact that Israeli settlements continue to flourish in Palestine. The incentive behind settlers is either ideological or economic. Some wish to pursue new economic opportunities; land is cheap to buy in settlements and employment opportunities exist for those struggling to find work in Israel. Others have an ideological and/or religious desire to see Palestine disappear completely and see settlements as a means of gradually extending the state of Israel. I find this one of the more unreasonable perspectives in the conflict. It also, of course, makes peace even more difficult. What happens to such settlements should a Palestinian State be created and the IDF withdraw from the West Bank?

Add to this too the interests of other countries in the conflict. Such interests are beyond my knowledge and understanding, but it is hard to believe other countries meddling in the affair do not have interests of their own impeding any hope of peace.

I guess I write this scrappy political overview as a backdrop for future posts. Behind anything I do or see in Nablus is this difficult history. It constantly comes up in conversation - Palestinians want to know what you think. I have met a range of views here in Nablus; some violent appeals for justice, some impressive appeals for peace. My favourite story so far was of a friend of one of the volunteers here. He used to live in the countryside where he owned quite a bit of land, which he used to grow olive trees. Soon enough a new settlement was built nearby. He visited early on to offer a gift of some olive oil from his trees, which was promptly rejected. Later on settlers burnt his olive trees. He is a friendly guy and now lives in Nablus. When asked why he would possibly do such an act he replied, "They were my neighbours." Such love is rare in this world. Some might call it naive.