Written by Diala B. and Dania B.

Palestinian resistance has taken various forms for nearly a century. From early movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and the Higher Arab Committee to the creation of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) under Yasser Arafat to the current armed struggle of Hamas against the Zionist colonizer, Palestinians have consistently sought to end the occupation and secure self-determination.

The UN's definition of the right to armed resistance is grounded in the principle of self-determination for peoples under colonial, foreign, or racist domination. In General Assembly Resolution 45/130, the UN reaffirms the legitimacy of struggles for independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and liberation from colonialism, apartheid, and foreign occupation “by any means necessary,” including armed struggle.

However, the application of this principle in Palestine has been inconsistent, primarily due to international political dynamics, leaving Palestinians without the support of the West.

On October 7th, Hamas's Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was initiated with the dual purpose of liberating Palestinians who are unjustly imprisoned by the “Israeli” Zionist regime and amplifying the Palestinian cause on a global stage.

Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was not just a military operation but a strategic endeavor to secure the release of wrongfully convicted Palestinian prisoners. By taking more than 100 hostages during the operation, Palestinian forces aimed to leverage these captives in negotiations for the freedom of their people, who were illegally detained. Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was a necessary act of defiance against a long-standing system of apartheid and occupation.

The media has persistently labeled October 7th as the “worst massacre to happen to Jewish people since the Holocaust” to manipulate public opinion and methodically manufacture consent to conduct a year-long ethnic cleansing campaign against Palestinians in Gaza. This reframing portrays the genocidal actions of the “Israeli” Zionist regime as self-defense and retribution. However, the evidence tells a contrasting story.

Initial reports by “Israeli” media and officials claimed that Hamas committed horrific atrocities, including raping “Israeli” civilians and beheading babies. These claims were quickly echoed by international media, serving to justify “Israel's” heavy military retaliation against Gaza.

“Israeli” newspaper Haaretz and other sources later reported that Hamas targeted military posts and that the Israeli Occupation Forces caused the high civilian death toll in a method known as the “Hannibal Directive." This entailed firing on locations where they learned their soldiers and civilians were located to prevent Hamas from taking hostages.

By drawing international attention to the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians, this operation emerged as a critical response to decades of “Israeli” colonial rule and ongoing settler expansion, representing a deeply rooted act of resistance in the Palestinian struggle for freedom and sovereignty.

The critical strategic goal of October 7th was to liberate Palestinians who are illegally detained in occupation lands and to liberate the lands, especially when it comes to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Sumud, the Arabic word for “steadfast,” has become synonymous with Palestinians.

The stories of our people echo throughout the world and show us the epitome of how to resist: with principles, honor, and unwavering faith in Allah SWT. We have seen the value of Palestinian life on the global stage, with our politicians refusing to act and the desecration at the hands of the Zionist regime.

The targeting of Palestinians in Gaza has been blatantly aimed at silencing the truth from coming out. The Zionist entity seeks to destroy scholars, journalists, and visionaries and to cut the next generation's lives short. We must continue to #CenterThePeople in Gaza. October 7th was the first step towards total liberation, and our people's resilient, principled voices on the ground will guide us in this fight.