Dystopian Realities
Palestinians, as a people, deserve the right to humanity and safety. The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) employ methods in their forceful interactions with Palestinians that have raised concerns about the dystopian nature of these tactics. Drawing parallels with fictional dystopian narratives like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent," it becomes clear that the lines between reality and dystopian fiction are uncomfortably blurred.
Surveillance and Control:
In both "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent," a prevalent theme is the extensive surveillance and control exerted by authoritative figures. Similarly, the IOF’s use of advanced technology for surveillance in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, in particular, echoes the dystopian narrative, where every move is inspected. The IOF has the number one intelligence in the world. The Palestinian people do not have access to any of those means and are often subject to the use of those means against them.
Restrictions on Movement:
The concept of restricted movement is a common thread between reality and fiction. Palestinians face checkpoints, barriers, and restrictions on movement, akin to the controlled districts in "The Hunger Games" and the faction-controlled society in "Divergent." These limitations on freedom of movement evoke a sense of living in a dystopian reality. Prior to the events that took place on October 7th, Gazans were unable to leave the heavily fortified border of Gaza. They were limited to basic human needs such as water, food, and safe shelter. Furthermore, the Israeli government is in control of electricity, internet, and cell phone service. The Israeli government would often and vindictively control the amount in which Palestinian citizens in Gaza have access to these means. Additionally, the IOF controlled the output of resources and humanitarian aid that the citizens of Gaza were receiving daily.
Military Presence in Civilian Spaces:
The militarization of civilian spaces is a recurring theme in dystopian narratives. The IOF often enforces unnecessary means of brute force and intimidation to constrain Palestinian civilians. The ongoing presence of the IOF in Palestinian territories does not allow for Palestinians to live peacefully. It highlights a narrative that Palestinian citizens need to be monitored as a risk, which feeds a bigger narrative of Palestinians as savages and barbarians.
The comparison between the IOF's tactics and dystopian narratives like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" is not meant to minimize the real-life struggles of the Palestinian people. Rather, it allows for a perspective in which we can carefully examine and understand the unsettling nature of methods used by the Israeli government and the IOF. It prompts us to question the impact of these methods on the daily lives of the Palestinian people. It is essential to remain mindful that although we are drawing comparisons from fiction, we in no way are minimizing the plight of the Palestinian struggle. Let us not forget the urgency of addressing the tangible human rights concerns embedded in the realities faced by those living in the shadow of these dystopian methods.
