Calling Them Out! Countering the Palestinian Propaganda Effort

No One Can Save The Palestinians From Themselves and Their Vision of Victimization and Terrorism

Throughout the Israel/Palestinian Arab conflict, the eyes of the world have remained on Israel at a microscopic level, scrutinizing every action and attributing every aspect of the plight of the Palestinian Arabs to Israel. Israel has been attacked and has fought numerous wars, which it has won. Yet, many in the Palestinian Arab mindset and the international sphere seem to want to rewind history and force Israel to be defeated despite its victories retroactively. Each time there is a terrorist attack against Israel and Jews are killed, the justification offered is that the Jews are aggressors and, therefore, deserving of such violence. When Israel defends itself, it is further labeled not only as the aggressor but also as an illegitimate state.

It’s Not Just Israel

Israel is labeled the occupier, the reason Palestinian Arabs are refugees, and the sole human rights aggressor of the Palestinian Arabs. However, Palestinian refugee camps exist beyond the West Bank and Gaza. Such camps have existed in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan since 1948. They remain stateless and without rights in those nations. This broader context is often ignored, placing undue blame solely on Israel.

There is no question that Israeli control of the West Bank and Gaza places hardships on the Palestinian Arabs. However, the world often overlooks that Israel controls these territories only because, in June 1967, Arab nations attacked Israel with the intent to destroy the Jewish state once again and kill as many Jews as possible. Israel won that war and took control of the West Bank, Gaza, Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula. The Sinai was returned to Egypt in 1979 when a peace treaty was signed.

It is forgotten, or ignored, that before that war, the West Bank was controlled by Jordan and Gaza by Egypt. Both countries refused to create a Palestinian Arab state and kept the Palestinian Arabs as stateless refugees. It was them, not Israel, that did this! Jordan and Egypt could have easily established a Palestinian Arab state but deliberately chose not to. Israel even offered to return the West Bank to Jordan under their mutual peace treaty, but Jordan refused the offer. The same happened with Egypt and Gaza.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Since 1948, the Palestinian Arabs have had numerous opportunities to launch their own state. At each opportunity, they choose to continue on the paths of victimization and terrorism. They refuse the path of negotiation and peace. They refuse to take the steps needed for nation-building. They refuse to demand a different path from their leaders.

Ultimately, no matter the external influences, including those of Israel, the most profound obstacles and hardships Palestinians face stem from their own leadership’s failures. No external entity has been able to save the Palestinians from themselves. If the Palestinians genuinely desired a state, they would have had one long ago. Creating a state requires vision, responsibility, and leadership, none of which the Palestinian people have seen from their leaders, nor do they demand of their leaders. Since 1948, their vision has focused on two primary components: victimhood and terrorism.

The reality is that the long Palestinian narrative oscillates between portrayals of victimhood and behavior centered on terrorism. This duality complicates the world’s understanding of their situation and has significant implications for both their internal governance and international perceptions. A balanced understanding must consider the factors contributing to these portrayals and their impacts on the Palestinian cause. So let’s do that.

Victimhood Narrative

The portrayal of Palestinians as victims primarily stems from historical and ongoing grievances related to the Israeli-Palestinian-Arab conflict:

1. Historical Context: The creation of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli wars led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs. The loss of homes and lands remains a core grievance, fostering a sense of victimhood that persists across generations. However, this victimhood is totally self-inflicted. Imagine if Jews and their descendants refused to settle and integrate into their new countries after the Holocaust. Imagine someone like me demanding a right to return to Poland even though my parents became American citizens and I was born in America. According to the Palestinian expectations, I should still have a right to return to Poland, and Poland should have to honor that right. The scenario is the same; the people involved are different. It should not be different and unique only for the Palestinian Arabs. Throughout history, the outcome of wars and new borders has created new realities for people and their situation.
2. Military Occupation: The ongoing Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza contribute significantly to the victim narrative of Palestinian Arabs. Restrictions on movement, economic development, and daily life hardships reinforce feelings of oppression among Palestinian Arabs. But every time Israel eased the restrictions and tried to give Palestinian Arabs more freedom and self-determination, they have always used that freedom and self-determination to rearm and increase acts of terrorism. Nation-building has never been a chosen path for them. So then Israel has to crack down again to stop the terrorism. This repeating pattern is a Palestinian Arab choice.
3. Economic Hardships: The economic impact of occupation and blockades, resulting in high unemployment, poverty, and lack of essential services, further cements the victimhood narrative. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by repeated conflicts, underscores this perspective. But like military occupation, economic opportunity is driven by the choices the Palestinian Arabs make. The always choose to divert goods shipped to them for military and terrorist use. Concrete is used to build terrorist tunnels, not homes for people. Metals and fuel are used to build rockets, not infrastructure for residents. This is also a problem for Eqypt. They, too, blockaded Gaza because Hamas was conducting terrorist attacks against Egypt as well as Israel.

The Right of Return: A Unique Demand

1. Historical Context: The right of return refers to the demand that Palestinian refugees and their descendants be allowed to return to the homes they left for many reasons during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the subsequent conflicts.
2. Unique Nature: The Palestinians’ demand for the right of return is indeed unique. While other displaced populations around the world have sought restitution or compensation, the specific demand for the right of return to their original homes has not been extended to any other group on a comparable scale or with similar international backing.
3. Victimization: The right of return is a critical element of the Palestinian focus on victimization. They believe that as long as they can remain stateless, they can leverage this victimization to their advantage. And the truth is that they succeed in doing so.

Impact of Palestinian Statelessness

1. Prolonged Refugee Status: The insistence on the right of return has contributed to the prolonged statelessness of Palestinian refugees. Instead of resettling in other countries or integrating into host nations, Palestinian refugees remain in camps, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza. It is not just in Israeli-controlled territory where Palestinians are stateless.
2. Refugee Camps in Host Countries:
   • Jordan: While Jordan has granted citizenship to many Palestinians, significant numbers still live in refugee camps. The right of return remains a key issue, influencing their status and prospects for integration.
   • Lebanon and Syria: Palestinians in these countries face severe restrictions on employment, property ownership, and movement, which are partly justified by the host countries as necessary to preserve the right of return.
   • West Bank and Gaza: The right of return is a deeply entrenched issue that remains more important to the Palestinians than the effort needed to form their own nation within the territory they currently live in. They play the victim card, expecting the world to give them what they really want: the elimination of the State of Israel.
   • Obstacle to Peace: The right of return is a contentious issue in peace negotiations. Israel argues that accepting the return of millions of Palestinian Arabs is unprecedented and has never been expected of any other country. Doing so would also undermine the Jewish majority and character of the state. This is the underlying reason why this is so important to the Palestinians. The real intent is to eliminate Israel through a one-state solution driven by the right of return and an Arab majority in Israel.

Right of Return Comparison with Other Groups

1. Other Displaced Populations: While other groups, such as those displaced by the partition of India and Pakistan, the Balkan wars, various conflicts in Africa, the Holocaust, etc., have sought justice and reparations, they have not pursued a right of return in the same manner. Instead, solutions often involve compensation, resettlement, or integration into new communities.
2. International Norms: International norms generally support the integration of refugees into host societies or resettlement in third countries. The prolonged emphasis on Palestinian Arabs’ right of return stands in contrast to these practices.

Focus on Terrorism

Conversely, the actions of many Palestinian factions, particularly those involving violence, have led to their widespread identity as terrorists. Terrorists use fear of violence and war as leverage to get what they want.

1. Hamas and Armed Struggle: Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, has engaged in numerous acts of violence, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks targeting Israeli civilians. These actions are evidence of Palestinian terrorism.
2. Militant Tactics: The use of guerrilla tactics and armed resistance against Israeli military and civilian targets by groups like Islamic Jihad and factions within the PLO has contributed to the terrorist label. These tactics have resulted in significant casualties and international condemnation.
3. International Terrorism: Palestinian groups have been implicated in international terrorist incidents, such as the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre by Black September, a faction of the PLO. They also focused on airplane highjackings in the 1970s. These high-profile attacks have solidified the image of Palestinians as terrorists in global public opinion. But this terrorism has worked to Palestinian Arab advantage, with many countries caving into their demands.
4. Internal and Regional Instability: Palestinian Arab factions have also been involved in regional conflicts, such as Black September in Jordan, the Lebanese Civil War, and collaboration with militant groups in the Sinai Peninsula under Egyptian control. These actions have destabilized neighboring countries and contributed to their terrorist reputation.

Balancing the Narrative

Understanding the Palestinian situation requires balancing the victimhood and terrorism narratives, considering both internal and external factors:

Internal Factors

1. Leadership Failures: Corruption, mismanagement, and internal divisions within Palestinian leadership have exacerbated their plight. Poor governance and strategic missteps have hindered efforts to address grievances effectively and pursue peace.
2. Militancy and Violence: The strategic choice of violence by factions within Palestinian leadership has undermined diplomatic efforts and alienated potential international allies. These actions have often provoked harsh military responses and further entrenched the cycle of violence.
3. Humanitarian Impact: The focus on armed struggle over development and governance has led to severe self-inflicted humanitarian conditions, particularly in Gaza. The diversion of resources for military purposes at the expense of civilian needs highlights the internal failures.

External Factors

1. Israeli Policies: Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and military actions significantly impact Palestinian lives. Israel is forced into this situation by the refusal of the Palestinians to seriously negotiate peace and their insistence on no compromise to any of their demands. Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and military actions would end with a negotiated peace settlement. The Palestinians insist on maintaining the victimization status quo.
2. International Perceptions: Global media coverage and political narratives emphasize both Palestinian victimhood and terrorism, influencing international perceptions and policy decisions. This polarization complicates efforts to achieve a balanced understanding and equitable solutions.

Failures of Palestinian Leadership

The Palestinian leadership has faced significant criticism for a range of failures that have profoundly impacted the Palestinian cause and the lives of the Palestinian people. These failures span internal divisions, governance issues, missed opportunities, strategic missteps, and the impact of victimization, terrorism, and corruption.

Internal Divisions

One of the most critical failures has been the deep and persistent divisions within Palestinian leadership. The schism between Fatah, which controls the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, and Hamas, which governs Gaza, has severely weakened Palestinian political unity. This division has led to conflicting policies and rival governments, undermining the potential for a coherent strategy toward achieving Palestinian national aspirations.

Governance and Corruption

There have been numerous allegations and documented instances of corruption within both the PA and Hamas. Mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency, and nepotism have eroded public trust in Palestinian institutions.

• Embezzlement: Senior PA officials have been implicated in embezzling funds meant for public services and development projects.
• Nepotism and Patronage: High-ranking officials often appoint family members and close associates to key positions, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of merit-based advancement.
• Lack of Transparency: The financial dealings of the PA are often opaque, with limited accountability mechanisms.

In Gaza, Hamas has also faced significant allegations of corruption:

• Misappropriation of Aid: Humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population has been diverted to support military activities or to enrich Hamas leaders who are reported to have embezzled billions for their personal benefit.
• Taxation and Control of Goods: Hamas imposes various taxes and controls over goods entering Gaza, creating opportunities for graft.

Terrorism and Armed Struggle

Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and the European Union, has a history of engaging in acts of terrorism:

• Suicide Bombings and Rocket Attacks: Hamas has been responsible for numerous suicide bombings and rocket attacks targeting Israeli civilians.
• Military Buildup in Gaza: Hamas has invested heavily in building military infrastructure, including tunnels and rocket manufacturing facilities. This has often come at the expense of civilian needs in Gaza, exacerbating humanitarian conditions.
• Use of Human Shields: Hamas has been widely condemned for using civilian areas and buildings, including schools and hospitals, to store weapons and launch attacks, thereby using civilians as human shields. This tactic has led to increased civilian casualties during conflicts and has drawn international criticism.

Hamas Attack on October 7, 2023

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, involving rocket fire and cross-border incursions by militants. This attack resulted in significant casualties and escalated the conflict between Hamas and Israel:

• Rocket Fire: Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel, targeting both civilian and military areas. This barrage overwhelmed Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, causing casualties and significant damage. If the missiles fired had not been intercepted, most of Israel would have been destroyed.
• Militant Incursions: Hamas fighters breached the border and attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. These incursions marked one of the deadliest days in the recent history of the conflict.
• Response and Escalation: In response, Israel launched extensive military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership. This escalation led to widespread destruction and further humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
• Destruction of Gaza and the Human Toll: The war has resulted in significant destruction of Gaza along with the associated death toll, injuries, illness, and shortage of food and supplies. Yet, Hamas refuses to release the Israeli and other nationality hostages as a first step to end the war. They keep insisting that Israel end the war on their terms, again using the victimization card. Hamas controls whether a ceasefire or end of the war will happen. They do not want a ceasefire without Israel surrendering to their terms. That is not going to happen, and as such, the war and hardships of the Palestinian people will continue. It’s an unfortunate choice of death and destruction Hamas could end immediately if they wanted to. It’s not Israel’s choice to defend its existence.

Missed Opportunities and Bad Decisions of the Past

The failures of Palestinian leadership also include significant missed diplomatic opportunities and strategic missteps:

1. Camp David Summit (2000): The summit ended without an agreement. Yasser Arafat rejected substantial offers without presenting a counteroffer, missing a chance for progress.
2. Annapolis Conference (2007): Despite international support, the Palestinian leadership did not capitalize on the momentum, leading to another failed attempt at peace.

Strategic missteps include:

1. Second Intifada (2000-2005): The PA’s failure to prevent the outbreak of violence led to severe consequences, including significant loss of life and economic devastation.
2. Rejection of Peace Proposals: Mahmoud Abbas rejected peace offers such as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s 2008 proposal, citing the need for further negotiations, which many viewed as a squandered chance for substantial agreement.

Poor governance decisions have further exacerbated these issues:

1. Hamas Takeover of Gaza (2007): The violent takeover led to competing governments, policies, and administrations, weakening the overall Palestinian political position.
2. Internal Political Repression: Both the PA and Hamas have been criticized for repressing political opposition and limiting freedom of expression.

Failures of Yasser Arafat

As the longtime leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and later the PA, Yasser Arafat played a central role in Palestinian leadership. However, his tenure was marked by several critical failures:

1. Lack of Transparent Governance: Arafat’s administration was often characterized by a lack of transparency and widespread corruption. Funds intended for development and public services were frequently mismanaged or embezzled.
2. Authoritarian Leadership Style: Arafat maintained tight control over Palestinian political institutions and security forces, often sidelining or repressing political opponents and dissenting voices within the Palestinian movement.
3. Failure to Capitalize on Diplomatic Opportunities: At key moments, Arafat failed to seize diplomatic opportunities that might have advanced the Palestinian cause. His rejection of the 2000 Camp David summit proposals is one of the most cited examples, where he was criticized for not presenting a viable counteroffer.
4. Support for Militancy: Arafat’s ambiguous stance on militancy and his failure to unequivocally renounce violence complicated peace negotiations and strained relations with potential international allies. During key moments for peace, such as the Oslo Accords, factions within the PLO often saw Arafat as not doing enough to curb terrorist activities, thus undermining trust and progress.

Palestinian Disruption in Other Countries

Palestinian factions have also been involved in conflicts and disruptions in neighboring countries, which has had significant regional implications:

1. Jordan:
   • Black September (1970): The conflict between the PLO and the Jordanian government culminated in a brutal confrontation known as Black September. The PLO’s attempts to operate as a state within a state led to a violent crackdown by Jordanian forces, resulting in thousands of deaths and the eventual expulsion of the PLO from Jordan.
2. Lebanon:
   • Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990): The PLO’s presence in Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon, significantly contributed to the outbreak and perpetuation of the Lebanese Civil War. The PLO’s involvement in attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory led to Israeli invasions and further destabilized Lebanon.
3. Egypt:
   • 1970s and 1980s: While the PLO initially had strong support in Egypt, tensions arose over the years, particularly regarding the group’s militant activities and the complex dynamics of the Egyptian-Israeli peace process. The PLO’s activities sometimes strained Egypt’s domestic and international policies.
4. Libya:
   • 1980s: The PLO had a complex relationship with Libya under Muammar Gaddafi, who provided support but also sought to control Palestinian factions for his own political ambitions. The fluctuating support and interference often disrupted the broader Palestinian strategy and unity.
5. Sinai Peninsula:
   • Hamas Terrorism: Hamas has been linked to terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, often collaborating with local militant groups. These activities have targeted Egyptian security forces and infrastructure, exacerbating regional instability. The collaboration between Hamas and Sinai-based militants has been a significant security concern for Egypt, leading to stringent measures against smuggling and militant activities along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Impact on Palestinians

The consequences of these failures have been dire for Palestinians:

• Erosion of Public Trust: Widespread corruption has eroded public trust in Palestinian institutions.
• Economic Decline: Persistent conflict and political instability have stymied economic growth.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Particularly in Gaza, the focus on armed conflict has exacerbated humanitarian conditions.

Hamas’s Impact on Palestinians

Hamas’s actions have directly hurt Palestinians by diverting money and resources:

• Diverting Aid: Humanitarian aid meant for civilians has often been redirected to support military activities.
• Economic Mismanagement: Hamas’s control over goods entering Gaza and imposition of taxes have created a black market, driving up prices and making essential goods unaffordable for many.
• Humanitarian Impact: The focus on military buildup over civilian needs has led to dire humanitarian conditions, including limited access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare.
• Use of Human Shields: By using civilian areas and infrastructure for military purposes, Hamas has endangered civilian lives, leading to increased casualties and destruction during conflicts with Israel.

Israeli and Egyptian Blockade of Gaza

Since Hamas took over Gaza, their focus has been on terrorism and waging war against Israel. The entire Gaza economy is focused on the Hamas military effort and not the necessary humanitarian effort. Billions are spent on building rockets and weapons, underground tunnels, and feeding and supporting Hamas militants who live under better conditions than typical citizens of Gaza.

Hamas intercepts most humanitarian deliveries entering Gaza. Therefore, the only way to prevent this is to prevent the shipment of goods into Gaza. This is totally the fault of Hamas.

Security Concerns

• Hamas Takeover: The blockade began after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, aiming to limit Hamas’s ability to acquire weapons and military materials.
• Rocket Attacks and Smuggling Tunnels: The blockade seeks to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials used in attacks against Israel and even Egypt.

Political and Diplomatic Factors

• Isolation of Hamas: The blockade is part of a strategy to isolate Hamas and support the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. The West Bank has no blockade because it poses no threat to Israel and Egypt like Hamas does.
• Pressure on Hamas: The blockade aims to pressure Hamas into renouncing violence and recognizing Israel or pressuring the Gaza population to demand a change in leadership and direction.

Economic and Humanitarian Impact

• Economic Hardship: The blockade has led to high unemployment, poverty, and restricted economic development in Gaza.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The blockade has exacerbated humanitarian conditions, limiting access to medical supplies, clean water, electricity, and basic goods.
• Who Can End the Blockade? Israel and Egypt have eased the blockade several times only to see more militarization and terrorism. So, they have been forced to resume the blockade each time. Only Hamas controls ending the blockade and truly assisting the people of Gaza with humanitarian needs.

The West Bank

The situation in the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, presents its own set of challenges and failures:

Israeli Occupation and Settlements

• Occupation: Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank imposes severe restrictions on movement, economic development, and governance.
• Settlement Expansion: The continuous expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has fragmented Palestinian territories, making cohesive governance difficult. Many claim it is undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.
• Who Can End the Occupation? During the Oslo peace negotiations in the 1990s, Israel opened up both the West Bank and Gaza to self-governance and freedom of movement. The economies of both areas prospered. Once the Palestinian Authority had control of governance, the economy, and security, Arafat shifted back to terrorism with the 2nd Intifada. Arafat used the Oslo Accords as an opening to fully arm the Palestinian security forces and train them to resume the effort to fight Israel. Every time Israel eases up, the same pattern repeats itself: more violence and terrorism. Only Hamas and the Palestinian Authority can end the occupation by sincerely negotiating a peace agreement in good faith.

Governance and Economic Challenges

• Corruption and Mismanagement: Similar to Gaza, the PA has faced issues of corruption and mismanagement, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of public trust.
• Economic Constraints: The occupation and internal governance issues have stifled economic growth and development in the West Bank.

Conclusion

The dual narratives of victimhood and terrorism surrounding the Palestinian situation reflect the complex realities of their ongoing conflict with Israel. While historical grievances, human rights issues, and economic hardships justify some aspects of the victimhood perspective, the focus on weapons and violence by Palestinian factions, along with their refusal to negotiate a peace agreement, reinforces the terrorist label.

A comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian plight requires addressing both internal governance failures and external pressures, promoting a path toward peace and development that acknowledges and resolves these intertwined narratives.

The failures of the Palestinian leadership in terms of corruption, terrorism, missed opportunities, and strategic missteps have compounded the challenges facing the Palestinian people. The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas further escalated the conflict to a whole new level not seen since the War of Independence in 1948, leading to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.

Yes, the Israeli occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank have imposed constraints on Palestinian governance and development, but not nearly to the levels that Palestinian leadership has hurt the Palestinian cause. Palestinian disruptions in neighboring countries and Hamas’s terrorism in the Sinai Peninsula have further complicated the regional dynamics and continue the path of the Palestinian vision of victimhood and terrorism as their nationalist focus.

Neither victimhood nor terrorism is nation-building. No one can do the nation-building other than the Palestinians themselves. It is their choice. They alone have to live with the consequences of their choices. And the rest of the world must understand this and put the burden on them to end it.