The Dehumanization of Palestinians: A Historical Context of Violence in Gaza

In a recent statement, the United Nations commission led by Navi Pillay has concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide. This assertion raises critical questions about the underlying attitudes that enable such violence. The commission’s findings echo historical patterns of dehumanization, which have long characterized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Understanding Genocide: A Framework of Dehumanization

Pillay, a former judge at the International Criminal Court, emphasized that genocide requires a systematic effort to exterminate a group perceived as inferior. “When I look at the facts in the Rwandan genocide, it’s very, very similar to this,” she stated, drawing parallels between the two situations. The dehumanization of victims is a crucial precursor to such violence, allowing perpetrators to justify their actions.

This perspective is not new. Many observers argue that the dehumanization of Palestinians has been a persistent theme throughout Israel’s history. The current conflict, marked by intense military action in Gaza, is seen by some as a culmination of decades of systemic oppression and violence.

The Current Conflict: Gaza Under Siege

As Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped in a region where famine has been declared. The Israeli government appears to be pursuing a strategy aimed at displacing the civilian population, ostensibly to facilitate military operations against Hamas.

Statements from Israeli officials reflect a troubling normalization of violence. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has publicly declared that “Gaza is burning,” a comment that underscores a lack of empathy for the suffering of civilians. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 64,900, yet public outcry within Israel has largely focused on securing the return of Israeli captives rather than halting the violence.

A poll conducted by the aChord Center revealed that 76% of Jewish Israelis surveyed believed that none of the remaining Palestinians in Gaza were innocent. This sentiment illustrates a broader societal acceptance of dehumanization, where Palestinian lives are viewed as expendable.

Historical Roots of Dehumanization

The roots of this dehumanization can be traced back to the early years of the Israeli state. The shock and outrage following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,139 Israelis, have been characterized by a profound ignorance of the Palestinian experience under occupation. Yair Dvir, a spokesperson for the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, noted that many Israelis perceive the attack as an unprovoked act of aggression, failing to recognize the historical context of occupation and violence.

B’Tselem, along with Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, has documented a long history of Israeli policies aimed at solidifying Jewish supremacy in the region. Their reports trace violations against Palestinians back to the Nakba in 1948, when Zionist militias forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to establish the state of Israel.

Dvir pointed out that many Israelis grow up in a segregated society, often lacking exposure to Palestinian culture, language, or history. This educational divide fosters a perception of Palestinians as “the other,” reinforcing a narrative that dehumanizes them.

Systematic Dehumanization: A Cultural Perspective

The dehumanization of Palestinians is not merely a product of individual attitudes but is embedded in the fabric of Israeli society. Orly Noy, a journalist and editor, argues that this mindset is systematic and deeply ingrained. “A society does not just become genocidal overnight,” she stated, emphasizing that conditions must be in place for such attitudes to flourish.

Historical analyses reveal that Israeli officials have long denied the humanity of Palestinians. As early as 1967, David Hacohen, then Israel’s ambassador to Burma, dismissed Palestinians as non-human. By the mid-1980s, children’s literature in Israel depicted Palestinians in grotesque and dehumanizing ways, reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Research conducted in the early 2000s found that a significant number of Israeli schoolchildren portrayed Palestinians as animals. This troubling trend highlights how dehumanization is perpetuated across generations, shaping perceptions of Palestinians as threats rather than human beings.

The Role of Political Rhetoric

The political landscape in Israel has also contributed to the normalization of dehumanization. Analysts like Nimrod Flaschenberg argue that the hardline religious right has capitalized on fears of liberalism to promote a narrative that justifies violence against Palestinians. The withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 galvanized these groups, leading to a concerted effort to reshape Israeli institutions in their image.

This campaign has permeated various aspects of Israeli life, from education to media, ensuring that dehumanizing views become mainstream. Sociologist Yehouda Shenhav-Shahrabani notes that even those who consider themselves liberal often express sentiments that reflect a deep-seated disregard for Palestinian lives.

Recent comments from Aharon Haliva, Israel’s former head of intelligence, exemplify this troubling trend. Haliva suggested that for every Israeli life lost, 50 Palestinians should be killed, indicating a chilling acceptance of violence as a necessary response.

The Ongoing Cycle of Violence

The historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals a continuous cycle of violence and dehumanization. Shenhav-Shahrabani argues that the notion of Palestinian presence as temporary has persisted since the establishment of Israel. This mindset has led to discussions about ethnic cleansing in both Gaza and the West Bank, framing displacement as an inevitable outcome.

The Nakba, often viewed as a singular event, is better understood as an ongoing process. The displacement of Palestinians continues today, with many Israelis viewing it as a necessary step toward achieving security and stability.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection

The findings of the UN commission and the historical context of dehumanization in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict compel us to reflect on the narratives that shape our understanding of this complex issue. As violence escalates in Gaza, it is crucial to recognize the human cost of dehumanization and the urgent need for a more empathetic approach to the lives affected by this ongoing conflict. Only through understanding and acknowledging the humanity of all individuals involved can we hope to break the cycle of violence and pave the way for a more peaceful future.