Written by Diala B. and Shafika H.

Normalization, in the context of Palestine, refers to the process by which relationships, activities, and agreements are established with the Zionist settler-colonial state of Israel without addressing its occupation, oppression, and violations of Palestinian rights. This term includes normalization via diplomatic agreements, economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and even rhetorical frameworks that equate the experiences of the occupier with the occupied. Normalization is deeply tied to the broader colonial project of erasing Palestinian identity, resistance, and sovereignty while legitimizing the Zionist apartheid system. Al-Thawabet serves as a moral compass for the Palestinian struggle, demanding the rejection of normalization in all its forms to safeguard the authenticity of the fight against occupation.

Normalization not only undermines resistance but also emboldens the oppressor by treating injustice as acceptable or even completely denying the atrocities taking place.. Nizar Banat’s words, "If they cannot be radical, they should remain silent and not be a hypocrite.," echo the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent." Both teachings remind us that silence, rooted in dignity, is far more powerful than words that compromise on core values. To uphold Al-Thawabet is to ensure that every action and stance strengthens the collective pursuit of justice and liberation, refusing to trade principles for fleeting convenience. 

The centering of “Israeli” suffering in conversations about the Zionist occupation of our homeland, such as equating events like October 7th with the systemic and intergenerational violence endured by Palestinians in Gaza, distorts the reality of the occupation. This narrative falsely implies parity between the oppressor and the oppressed, ignoring that one side holds military dominance, enforces blockades, and systematically dehumanizes the other. Such comparisons diminish the context of resistance and present Palestinian suffering as collateral rather than the result of a deliberate system of colonial violence.

The invocation of “peace talks” and the two-state solution within these conversations furthers the normalization of injustice by demanding that Palestinians compromise their rights and accept fragmented sovereignty over their own land, while simultaneously legitimizing decades of genocide and ethnic cleansing. These talks often reduce the Palestinian struggle to a matter of negotiations, sidelining core issues such as the right of return, sovereignty, and the end of apartheid, treating these fundamental rights as dispensable in pursuit of a false sense of reconciliation. By framing “peace” as achievable without addressing the root causes of the conflict—settler colonialism —these discussions serve to perpetuate the status quo. True peace cannot emerge from frameworks that legitimize oppression; it requires dismantling the structures of occupation and recognizing Palestinian rights as non-negotiable.

The invocation of “peace talks” and the two-state solution within these conversations furthers the normalization of injustice by demanding that Palestinians compromise their rights and accept fragmented sovereignty over their own land while simultaneously legitimizing decades of genocide and ethnic cleansing. These talks often reduce the Palestinian struggle to a matter of negotiations, sidelining core issues such as the right of return, sovereignty, and the end of apartheid, treating these fundamental rights as dispensable in pursuit of a false sense of reconciliation. By framing “peace” as achievable without addressing the root cause—settler colonialism —these discussions serve to perpetuate the status quo. True peace cannot emerge from frameworks that legitimize oppression; it requires dismantling the structures of occupation and recognizing Palestinian rights as non-negotiable.

Secret negotiations and covert cooperation between Arab leaders and the Zionist regime have further entrenched the occupation. From Mossad’s participation in Arab League meetings to normalization deals brokered by various Arab states, this participation has undermined Arab relations and commitment to Palestinian rights and emboldened “Israel’s” colonial expansionist agenda. The Abraham Accords, widely celebrated as a “breakthrough” in regional diplomacy, failed to address the core issues of Palestinian liberation. Instead, these agreements legitimized and even participated in the Zionist colonial rule and dominance over Palestinian land and resources.

Since the genocide in Gaza began, celebrities have increasingly inserted themselves into discussions on Palestine—often without understanding the complexities of the issue. While some claim to support the Palestinian cause, their actions frequently normalize colonial violence, overshadow Palestinian voices, and dilute the broader struggle for liberation.

Selena Gomez adopted “all lives matter”-style rhetoric, failing to address Gaza’s 17-year siege and systemic oppression, framing the genocide as a balanced conflict rather than a settler-colonial project. Justin Bieber compounded misinformation by posting “pray for Israel” over an image of Gaza rubble, a year later donning a keffiyeh as a mere fashion accessory, trivializing its significance. Mark Ruffalo, a vocal and long-time advocate, undermined his stance by endorsing Kamala Harris, whose administration has supported "Israel's" military campaigns and colonial violence.

These examples highlight the pitfalls of celebrity activism, which often tokenizes Palestinian suffering while distracting from Palestinian voices. To genuinely support the cause, we must reject performative allyship and focus on amplifying the perspectives of Palestinians on the ground.

One clear example of normalization is the way symbols of Palestinian culture and resistance are often taken and used for profit while their deeper meaning is erased. This doesn’t just happen in fashion—it also happens with food and other cultural elements. For instance, traditional Palestinian dishes like hummus and falafel are frequently marketed around the world as “Israeli cuisine.” This rebranding not only takes credit away from Palestinians but also tries to paint “Israel” as a diverse and peaceful country, hiding the reality of occupation and oppression. By turning Palestinian culture into a product, companies and institutions ignore the ongoing struggles of Palestinians and profit from their heritage without acknowledging their suffering. This isn’t just disrespectful—it also supports the normalization of the occupation by making it seem like the oppression of Palestinians doesn’t exist. As activists often point out, stealing and selling someone’s culture while staying silent on their oppression is both harmful and deeply hypocritical.

1. Education: Share accurate information about the Palestinian struggle and debunk myths perpetuated by Zionist propaganda. Pages like PDM and other Palestinian-run platforms are excellent resources.

2. Center Palestinian Voices: Amplify Palestinian voices, ensuring their lived experiences and demands for freedom, justice, and self-determination take center stage.

3. Reject Performative Allyship: Hold celebrities and influencers accountable when their actions undermine the Palestinian cause.

4. Combat Cultural Appropriation: Challenge the commodification of Palestinian symbols and demand that their use aligns with genuine solidarity.

5. Uphold the Principles of Al-Thawabet: Stay committed to the core tenets of Palestinian resistance, prioritizing liberation and the return of Palestinian refugees.