Class 2: Occupied Palestine
Economic and Social Impact
The oppressive policies of the settler colonial state of Israel heavily influence the economic and social dynamics within the occupied West Bank.
Economic Restrictions: Israeli policies have created an economic environment where growth and development are severely hampered. The control over borders, resources, and movement leads to a stifled Palestinian economy, heavily dependent on the Israeli market and international aid. Palestinian businesses and agriculture suffer under these conditions, struggling to compete and thrive. Israel relies on Palestinians being dependent on the Israeli economy as a means to exert colonial domination over the indigenous population. This prevents Palestinians from attempting to de-colonize and achieve self determination.
Role of International Aid: While international aid provides some relief, it is often insufficient and cannot compensate for the systemic barriers imposed by the occupation. Moreover, the reliance on aid has its own set of challenges, including dependency and the potential to influence local priorities and policies. The need for Palestinians to rely on aid is deeply disturbing. It underscores Israel's ongoing control over Palestinians, extending to even the provision of essential human needs. It underscores the colonial mindset of Zionist Israel.
Social Dynamics: The occupation has also shaped the social fabric of Palestinian society. The ongoing stress and trauma of living under constant surveillance and the threat of violence have profound psychological and societal impacts. Family and community structures are often strained, and the dream of a peaceful and prosperous future becomes increasingly elusive.
Cultural and Political Resistance
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, Palestinians in the West Bank engage in various forms of resistance and cultural preservation.
Forms of Resistance: Resistance takes many forms, from non-violent protests and legal battles against land confiscation to artistic expressions and maintaining cultural traditions. Palestinians assert their identity and rights through these acts of resistance, refusing to be silenced or erased.
Cultural Preservation: Preserving Palestinian culture and heritage is a form of resistance in itself. From traditional music and dance to the preservation of historical sites and the passing down of oral histories, these efforts are vital in maintaining a sense of identity and continuity amid the pressures of occupation.
Life in the Occupied Territories
In the occupied Palestinian territories, the daily life under occupation is a stark testament to the pervasive control exerted by the settler colony of Israel. This control manifests in various insidious forms, purposefully fragmenting the Palestinian population into different regions, thereby weakening their collective resistance and identity.