The normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel represents a profound shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with far-reaching implications for the Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination. As of 2024, this normalization has taken on new dimensions, worsened by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises faced by the Palestinian people.
This article will explore the normalization of Arab-Israeli relations, assess its implications for Palestine, and connect current events, including ongoing violence and humanitarian crises to the broader narrative of Palestinian resistance. By emphasizing the Palestinian perspective, we hope to shed light on the complexities of this situation and advocate for a future grounded in justice and equality.
Historical Context of the Conflict
Early Roots of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
The roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time marked by the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Zionist movement sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, where a substantial Arab population had lived for centuries. The 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, which recommended the division of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, catalyzed tensions, culminating in the establishment of Israel in 1948. This event sparked the Nakba, a term which refers to the mass displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes (Khalidi, 2020).
The Nakba laid the groundwork for an enduring cycle of violence and displacement. Arab nations have historically supported the Palestinian cause, viewing the Palestinian statelessness and suffering as a central issue within their own national identities. However, this solidarity has undergone significant transformation, particularly following the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, when several Arab countries began normalizing relations with Israel.
The Impact of the Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords of the 1990s marked a significant political development, establishing the Palestinian Authority (PA) and outlining a framework for potential peace that would lead to a two-state solution. However, these accords failed to address core issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the future of Israeli settlements in occupied territories (Hass, 2019).
The lack of tangible progress led to increased frustration among Palestinians, resulting in a series of uprisings (Intifadas) and a deterioration of conditions on the ground. The failure of the Oslo process also paved the way for the expansion of Israeli settlements and the entrenchment of the occupation, which continues to disenfranchise the Palestinian people.
The Abraham Accords and Subsequent Normalizations
Overview of the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, marked a watershed moment in Arab-Israeli relations, facilitating formal diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco (Katz, 2021). These agreements were framed as opportunities for peace, economic cooperation, and security partnerships, with claims that they stood to benefit both Israelis and Arabs.
However, the accords were met with widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders and activists, who viewed them as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and a disregard for Palestinian suffering. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated that these agreements undermined the efforts toward peace and the quest for Palestinian statehood (Palestinian Authority, 2020).
The Accelerating Process of Normalization in 2024
By 2024, normalization efforts have expanded, with more Arab states expressing interest in forging ties with Israel. Countries such as Saudi Arabia have engaged in discussions about potential normalization, driven by strategic interests in countering Iranian influence and promoting economic partnerships (Khan, 2024). These developments demonstrate a shift in priorities among some Arab governments, often at the expense of the Palestinian struggle.
The increasing normalization reflects a broader trend where national interests, particularly economic and security considerations are prioritized over historical commitments to support Palestinian rights and aspirations. This trend raises critical questions about its implications for the Palestinian people and their quest for justice.
The Ongoing Violence Against Palestinians
Current Humanitarian Crisis
As of 2024, the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, remains dire. Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, resulting in significant restrictions on movement, goods, and services. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of the population in Gaza relies on humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs (UN OCHA, 2024).
Israeli military operations aimed at mitigating perceived security threats have led to severe civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, violence escalated significantly, with thousands of Palestinians killed or wounded due to military actions, ongoing airstrikes, and ground operations (B’Tselem, 2024).
The Immediate Triggers of Violence
The violence facing Palestinians in 2024 has roots in systemic injustices and longstanding grievances. Tensions have surged around key flashpoints, notably in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, where settler violence and forced evictions have become commonplace. The situation in Sheikh Jarrah, where Palestinian families face imminent eviction to make way for Israeli settlers, exemplifies the ongoing injustices (Abu Khalil, 2024).
Escalations in violence are often punctuated by Israeli military responses to protests and civil disobedience efforts. In early 2024, following widespread protests against evictions and military incursions, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in further civilian casualties and destruction (UN RCO, 2024). These military actions are framed by Israeli authorities as necessary security measures but are viewed by Palestinians and many international observers as part of a broader pattern of collective punishment.
The Role of International Actors
The international community’s response to ongoing violence against Palestinians has often been inadequate, with a reluctance to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The failure to address systemic violations of human rights, including unlawful killings, demolition of homes, and unilateral land confiscations, contributes to the normalization of these acts (Human Rights Watch, 2024).
The U.S. has continued to provide military support to Israel, further complicating the situation. While American administrations have historically claimed to advocate for a two-state solution, their policies often prioritize diplomatic relationships and security concerns over tangible actions toward justice and accountability (Gordon, 2023).
Palestinian Resistance and Global Solidarity
The Palestinian Struggle for Self-Determination
The ongoing violence and humanitarian crises have deepened the resolve of Palestinians to resist oppression and seek self-determination. The Palestinian liberation movement encompasses various forms of resistance, including peaceful protests, international advocacy, and cultural expression.
Palestinians mobilize globally to raise awareness about their struggles, seeking solidarity with other marginalized movements. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has gained traction, emphasizing non-violent resistance and advocating for Palestinian rights through international solidarity (Zogby, 2023).
Grassroots Movements and Global Awareness
Grassroots movements within occupied Palestine and in the diaspora have amplified calls for justice, demanding recognition from international actors. Activism focuses on educating global audiences about the realities faced by Palestinians, complicating the narratives often presented in diplomatic circles (Haidar, 2024).
The role of social media has been particularly transformative, allowing activists to share their stories and experiences with a wider audience. Campaigns advocating for Palestinian rights often go viral, mobilizing support and promoting international dialogue on the issue.
The Cultural Dimension of Resistance
Cultural expressions of resistance are integral to Palestinian identity and advocacy efforts. Literature, art, music, and cinema serve as powerful vehicles for conveying Palestinian narratives and experiences. Prominent Palestinian artists and intellectuals utilize their platforms to highlight injustices, foster solidarity, and inspire hope amid adversity (Barghouti, 2024).
Film festivals, art exhibitions, and literary contests dedicated to Palestinian themes have emerged as spaces for cultural resistance, where Palestinian voices are celebrated and disseminated. This cultural resurgence is essential for maintaining the national identity and fostering resilience among Palestinians, particularly in the face of ongoing normalization initiatives.
The Dangers of Normalization Without Context
The Detrimental Effects on the Palestinian Cause
Normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel, especially in the absence of progress on Palestinian rights, carries dangerous implications for the Palestinian cause. As Arab nations prioritize diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, the urgency of addressing Palestinian grievances may be diluted, further entrenching the status quo of occupation and violence (Khalidi, 2020).
Normalization efforts often emphasize security cooperation and economic benefits, overshadowing the critical human rights issues at stake. Without a genuine commitment to addressing these injustices, normalizations risk legitimizing Israel’s policies and providing a veneer of respectability to acts of aggression against Palestinians.
The Risk of Eroding Arab Solidarity
The trend toward normalization also threatens to erode traditional Arab solidarity with the Palestinian people. Historical commitments to supporting Palestinian rights have defined Arab relations and served as a rallying cry in the face of oppression. However, recent developments signal a geopolitical shift where national interests take precedence over collective action for justice.
The normalization narrative risks creating a rift between Arab governments and their populations, who continue to advocate for Palestinian rights. Public protests and widespread discontent among citizens highlight the disconnect between governmental policies and societal values, indicating that many Arab citizens reject normalization as it is currently framed (Khan, 2024).
Broader Implications for Peace and Justice
The broader implications of normalization extend far beyond diplomatic ties. A disregard for Palestinian rights risks undermining any potential for genuine peace in the region. The ongoing cycle of violence and humanitarian crises will persist as long as the underlying injustices remain unresolved.
Promoting a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires addressing the root causes of the struggle, including the occupation, settlement expansion, and displacement of Palestinian communities. Only by confronting these issues can there be hope for a durable and just peace.
Conclusion
The normalization of Arab countries’ relationships with Israel, particularly in 2024, offers a complex perspective on the Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination. This normalization occurs against the backdrop of a series of humanitarian crises and ongoing violence, emphasizing the need to prioritize Palestinian voices and experiences in any discussions of peace.
As Arab nations engage in normalization, it is crucial to remember the historical contexts and ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. For lasting peace and justice, there must be an unequivocal commitment to addressing the rights of Palestinians and the injustices they endure.
The stories of those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank should not be overshadowed by diplomatic efforts that risk legitimizing systemic oppression. Palestinian resistance is a testament to the resilience of a people committed to asserting their rights, dignity, and humanity. The global community must recognize this struggle, standing in solidarity with Palestinians and demanding a future grounded in justice, equality, and respect for human right.
