Introduction
We mark a somber milestone: one year has passed since the onset of the relentless violence in Gaza, leading to unimaginable death and suffering. We are thinking about all Israelis and Palestinians whose lives and communities were shattered by the events of last year. A ceasefire is about saving lives; every minute that passes without a ceasefire leads to further deaths and devastation for the Palestinian people.
The current conflict trajectory in Palestine and Israel has set back efforts for long-lasting peace by generations. The Middle East is in danger of a full-scale war,[1] and the human toll of the continued genocidal war on Gaza by the Israeli government is unfathomable.[2] The priority must be a ceasefire, allowing for the following:
- The release of hostages and prisoners, including the thousands of Palestinians, in Israeli custody without trial.
- Massive humanitarian aid.
- Continued negotiations leading to a permanent ceasefire
After a year of relentless violence by the Israeli military against Gaza, the overwhelming use of military power has caused immeasurable suffering to Palestinians and made Israelis less secure. Further military escalation will perpetuate the cycle of violence. The violence perpetrated by the Israeli government, Hezbollah, and Hamas, as well as the recent rocket attacks by Iran on Israel, are counterproductive to a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These actions kill innocent civilians and push the region further away from peace. However, in our unambiguous rejection of all political violence, we recognize the significant power imbalance and disproportionality in the Israeli government’s escalating bombings and land invasion in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as its rejection of global calls for a ceasefire.
These actions occur in a misguided, self-defeating security paradigm “practiced in the iron cage of war.”[3] Instead, a common security approach, where one nation or group can only be secure when all nations or groups are, must be normalized. In its briefest form, common security means that no one is safe until all are safe.
Dismayed by the surge in violence in Israel and Palestine since October 2023, we wrote a briefing to help the broader peace and security community to navigate the war on Gaza. We created the original briefing to demonstrate how to process and share information regarding the war on Gaza while rejecting a military solution and calling for peace with justice. In our briefing, we identified core problems with the discourse on the war on Gaza. We offered concrete recommendations on how the broader peace and security community can remediate these problems. You can access the briefing here: https://warpreventioninitiative.org/2023/navigating-the-war-on-gaza/.
Despite the evolving contextual factors, the original briefing retains its conceptual value by providing a framework for understanding and addressing the conflict. It emphasizes the importance of rejecting military solutions and advocating for peace with justice, principles that remain crucial regardless of changing circumstances. In this new briefing, we highlight key observations to strengthen peace and advocacy efforts, including a brief analysis of developments, focusing on a shift in conversation, pro-Palestinian advocacy efforts and the backlash to advocacy, broader trends of militarized nationalism and democratic decline, and the relevance of colonial legacies.
As you engage with this briefing, we encourage you to approach this subject with an open mind, a critical eye, and a firm dedication to peace, justice, and human dignity. We incorporate feminist and antiracist viewpoints to comprehend the power dynamics, structural inequalities, and historical injustices shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war on Gaza. We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence by any group or government. We recognize that only by ending the occupation and oppression of Palestinians can pathways to a peaceful future between Israel and Palestine be established.
Current Situation and Context
A year has passed since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli communities and military bases adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s government has responded with indiscriminate bombing and a ground invasion, killing more than 41,000 people.[4] A July 2024 study by The Lancet indicates that the number is closer to 186,000 when ‘indirect’ deaths caused by the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and distribution systems are accounted for.[5] Approximately 1.9 million out of the 2.2 million inhabitants in Gaza are internal refugees.[6] There has also been a deliberate and sustained blockade of essential resources such as food, water, electricity, medicine, fuel, and communication services to civilians in Gaza.[7] Moreover, various reports and articles have documented the Israeli state’s ecocide against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, since October 7, from the destruction of agriculture and farmlands to soil and air pollution, which has and will result in severe health crises in Gaza.[8]
The destruction of Gaza and the mass killing of Palestinians by the Israeli military has nothing to do with “defense.” These actions are war crimes and are accompanied by a long list of dehumanizing statements made by Israeli government officials with the clear intent of annihilating Palestinians. This is the context that has compelled United Nations human rights experts to find reasonable grounds that the government of Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and the International Criminal Court ICC to order Israel to prevent genocide. The Israeli government has ignored these orders.
The United States government weapons shipments used by the Israeli military have contributed to the severe human and environmental costs of the violence. Since October 7, the U.S. government has already sent more than 600 weapons shipments to Israel and provided spent “at least $22.76 billion on military aid to Israel and related U.S. operations in the region.”[9] The latest $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel, which Congress had approved in August of 2024, has also allowed the Israeli government to conduct further terror and bombing campaigns in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen under the guise of ‘combating terrorists’ — a popular and returning narrative that first emerged from the U.S. Global War on Terror (GWOT). At its core, this agenda reflects a continuation of harmful imperial ideologies that prioritize certain groups over others, often leading to the dehumanization and subjugation of marginalized communities. This includes orientalist perspectives and focusing on profit over environmental and social well-being.[10]
Observations for Engaging on the Broader Israel-Palestine Conflict
In exploring pathways to peace, we have identified several key observations that can guide our community’s involvement in advocacy for peace with justice.
A shift in conversation
First, there has been a notable and measurable shift in conversation. On the one hand, Israel’s government views Hamas as genocidal and threatening, while on the other hand, Palestinians emphasize the occupation and long-standing systemic inequalities. These contending narratives shape local and international responses, with some calling for renewed diplomatic efforts while others remain focused on military solutions.[11] Naila Farouky, who leads Arab Foundation Forum, noted that “for the past 11 months, the relentless and ongoing genocide in Gaza has brought a long-standing issue of occupation, colonization, and the subject of much geo-political debate into sharp focus.”[12] In the U.S., we observe a movement that is more critical of the Israeli government’s policies.[13] However, there are entrenched views among U.S. policy-makers that lead to virtually unconditional support for the Israeli government as it continues a genocidal campaign in Gaza. Sustained public pressure in an election year could impact how U.S. policymakers legislate on this issue and how an incoming administration prioritizes its foreign policy.
Pro-Palestinian advocacy approaches
Second, various and diverse advocacy approaches by different groups and networks have emerged to address the violence and promote peace. Student protests across the U.S. have become prominent advocacy efforts, demanding institutional divestment from Israel. [14] The “Funders for a Ceasefire Now” initiative calls for a humanitarian approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gaining significant support. Jewish philanthropists urged against withdrawing funding from organizations supporting Palestinian rights, emphasizing justice and open debate. The Alliance for Peacebuilding and other NGOs have consistently called for a ceasefire and support for peacebuilders across conflict lines. Various U.S.-based peace organizations remain active in advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian solutions, highlighting the power of collective movements and local peacebuilding efforts.
Backlash to advocacy
Third, Israel’s government and its defenders around the world continue to stoke fear of antisemitism while making false accusations of antisemitism against pro-Palestinian advocacy efforts. For nonprofits, this type of backlash is captured in the concept of “lawfare” as described by the Foundation for Middle East Peace. Lawfare refers to “a variety of practices and policies that seek to exploit U.S. laws and courts to quash political free speech and activism.” Other areas of concern are the policing and repression of protests and the mislabeling of the Palestinian liberation movement as inherently antisemitic. We also recognize that the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS), inspired by the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and calling for divestment from entities linked to Israel, has gained international support. Recent UN actions reflect the legal and moral imperative to end Israel’s occupation and apartheid regime.[15] We support recommendations recognizing the political nature of lawfare and other forms of backlash,[16] advocating for policies that protect the rights of nonprofits to engage in advocacy without fear of retaliation.[17]
Broader of trends militarized nationalism and democratic decline
Fourth, the violence in Gaza demonstrates the strength of militarized nationalism and authoritarianism, impacting democracy and human rights. The United States and Israel are already experiencing various forms of democratic decline. Leaders like Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Trump threaten their countries’ democratic institutions by catering to far-right agendas, which restricts civil society’s ability to address issues of peace and justice. As the United States approaches the 2024 presidential election, it is crucial to recognize that Trump and Netanyahu are part of the same network of far-right, racist, authoritarian leaders. Furthermore, despite his claims, Trump is far from being an “anti-war” candidate.[18] Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian racism[19] following the October 7 attacks have thrived in an environment of misinformation and lies propagated by such far-right leaders and their followers. Such an environment celebrates war as strong and necessary against the evil “other” and reduces diplomacy and dialog to sideshows among authoritarian strongmen. Efforts to end the violence in Palestine must be pursued in tandem with the work to preserve and strengthen our democratic institutions, as both are essential for achieving lasting peace and justice.
Colonial legacies
Fifth, the similarities of the colonial legacies and foundational myths shared by Israel and the United States pose barriers to meaningful discussions on this topic. Many indigenous and formerly colonized people identify with the Palestinian struggle for liberation and emancipation. Organizations within the U.S., such as NDN Collective and Blacks for Palestine, exemplify this perspective and view the larger global decolonial struggle as inherently interconnected.
Conclusion
We mark the one-year milestone of the October 7 attacks on Israel, followed by a genocidal military campaign against Gaza. In this briefing, we share several key observations that can guide our community’s involvement in advocacy for peace with justice. We offer these reflections with a deep concern for the human costs of violence. We must be humble in speaking about what comes next in Israel and Palestine. We do not claim to have the answers or argue for a particular solution to the broader conflict. The immediate steps, however, are clear. A ceasefire, an end to arms supplies to the Israeli government, and massive humanitarian aid.
The pathways forward must reject the notion of “peace through strength” and embrace a demilitarized security that rejects violence as the means to solve conflict. Achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict requires a structural transformation in the relationship between Israel and Palestine. This transformation demands political leadership that is responsive to the genuine needs of all people.
Rebuilding Gaza will be an enormous undertaking that cannot be left to the survivors. The reconstruction effort must address the extensive destruction of infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and utilities, which have been severely damaged or destroyed. Economic revitalization will be essential, focusing on restoring key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and small businesses, which have been decimated. Additionally, rebuilding efforts must prioritize social cohesion and mental health support for the population, many of whom have experienced profound trauma.[20] The international community’s commitment—led by a strong UN—to providing financial resources, technical expertise, and diplomatic support will be vital to move Gaza out of the worst part of the crisis.
Committed to long-term peace and justice for all, we can clearly state that the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict must develop organically from the ground up, elevating the voices of Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders who work for coexistence, justice, dignity, and freedom for all. We must listen to the voices of peacebuilders and follow their lead in discovering the solution that affirms every Israeli’s and Palestinian’s humanity, ensuring sustainable peace with justice.
For further related statements and initiatives by partner organizations and networks, please refer to the following:
- The Alliance For Peacebuilding: Call To Action: Israel-Palestine – https://www.allianceforpeacebuilding.org/afp-publications/afp-call-to-action-israel-palestine
- Peace Action: Palestinian rights: Ending the brutal war in Gaza and beyond – https://www.peaceaction.org/what-we-do/campaigns/gaza-ceasefire-now/
- Madre: Peace Depends on Justice
- Win Without War: Tracking the Crisis in Israel and Palestine – https://winwithoutwar.org/policy/tracking-the-crisis-in-israel-and-palestine/
Peace Direct: We continue to call for a #ceasefirenow: our action hub – https://www.peacedirect.org/ceasefire-now-actions/
- Friends Committee on National Legislation: The U.S. Must Call for a Ceasefire, De-escalation, and Humanitarian Access in Gaza— https://fcnl.quorum.us/campaign/51886/
- American Friends Service Committee: Stop the spread of war in the Middle East https://afsc.org/action/stop-spread-war-middle-east
- Foundation For Middle East Peace: Top News & Analysis on Israel/Palestine https://fmep.org/resources/
Footnotes:
[1] Nicholas Frakes, “Israel’s Full-Scale War on Lebanon Is Already Here,” Inkstick, October 1, 2024, https://inkstickmedia.com/israels-full-scale-war-on-lebanon-is-already-here/.
[2] Sophia Stamatopoulou-Robbins, “The Human Toll: Indirect Deaths from War in Gaza and the West Bank, October 7, 2023 Forward” (Watson Institute of International & Public Affairs; Brown University; Costs of War Project, October 7, 2024), https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2023/2024/Costs%20of%20War_Human%20Toll%20Since%20Oct%207.pdf.
[3] Kent Shifferd, Patrick Hiller, and David Swanson, A Global Security System: An Alternative to War. (Charlottesville: World Beyond War, 2020).
[4] This number is an unverified account by Gaza’s Government Media Office government and used by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
[5] Rasha Khatib, Martin McKee, and Salim Yusuf, “Counting the Dead in Gaza: Difficult but Essential,” The Lancet 404, no. 10449 (July 20, 2024): 237–38, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01169-3.
[6] “One Year After the October 7 Attacks: The Impact on Four Fronts | Council on Foreign Relations,” October 2, 2024, https://www.cfr.org/article/one-year-after-october-7-attacks-impact-four-fronts.
[7] “Famine Imminent in Northern Gaza: Children Are Being Starved by Israel’s Blockade and Bombardment; the IRC Strongly Reiterates Call for Immediate Ceasefire | International Rescue Committee (IRC),” accessed October 6, 2024, https://www.rescue.org/press-release/famine-imminent-northern-gaza-children-are-being-starved-israels-blockade-and; “Israel: Starvation Used as Weapon of War in Gaza | Human Rights Watch,” December 18, 2023, https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/12/18/israel-starvation-used-weapon-war-gaza.
[8] Ecocide, as defined by an independent expert panel for the legal definition of ecocide, is the “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being cause by those acts” and can constitute being a war-crime.
[9] Linda J Bilmes, William D Hartung, and Stephen Semler, “United States Spending on Israel’s Military Operations and Related U.S. Operations in the Region, October 7, 2023 – September 30, 2024” (Watson Institute of International & Public Affairs; Brown University; Costs of War Project, October 7, 2024), https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2023/2024/Costs%20of%20War_US%20Support%20Since%20Oct%207%20FINAL%20v2.pdf.
[10] See the section “Problem: Orientalism” in our original briefing at https://warpreventioninitiative.org/2023/navigating-the-war-on-gaza/
[11] “Narrative Shifts and Conflict Realities: Unveiling Grand War Narratives in Gaza,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January 18, 2024, https://carnegieendowment.org/events/2024/01/narrative-shifts-and-conflict-realities-unveiling-grand-war-narratives-in-gaza?lang=en.
[12] Naila Farouky, “The Role of Arab Foundations in Responding to the Crisis in Gaza,” Alliance Magazine (blog), September 17, 2024, https://www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/the-role-of-arab-foundations-in-responding-to-the-crisis-in-gaza/.
[13] Laura Silver and Becka A. Alper, “Slight Uptick in Americans Wanting U.S. to Help Diplomatically Resolve Israel-Hamas War,” Pew Research Center (blog), October 1, 2024, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/10/01/slight-uptick-in-americans-wanting-u-s-to-help-diplomatically-resolve-israel-hamas-war/.
[14] Akin Olla, “How Democratizing Universities Would Supercharge the Pro-Palestine Divestment Movement,” Waging Nonviolence, June 11, 2024, https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/06/democratize-university-boards-supercharge-divestment/.
[15] “UN General Assembly Demands Israel End ‘Unlawful Presence’ in Occupied Palestinian Territory | UN News,” accessed October 7, 2024, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154496.
[16] Kay Guinane, “The Alarming Rise of Lawfare to Suppress Civil Society: The Case of Palestine and Israel” (The Charity & Security Network, 2021), https://charityandsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Alarming-Rise-of-Lawfare-to-Suppress-Civil-Society.pdf.
[17] Guinane.
[18] Mehdi Hasan, “Trump Isn’t Anti-War. It’s Time to Debunk This Dangerous Myth,” October 6, 2024, https://zeteo.com/p/trump-anti-war-debunk.
[19] Abdallah Fayyad, “It’s Not Islamophobia, It’s Anti-Palestinian Racism,” Vox, June 5, 2024, https://www.vox.com/policy/352663/anti-palestinian-racism-islamophobia-antisemitism.
[20] Gopalan, “After the Encampments.”
