In the Occupied West Bank, Israel’s System of Discrimination Breeds Daily Violence

In the West Bank, Israel’s Apartheid Rule Results in Everyday Violence

An Apartheid System in Palestine

In an article by Carolina S. Pedrazzi, published on date 10.07.2023, titled “In the West Bank, Israel‘s Apartheid Rule Results in Everyday Violence,” the author highlights the ongoing violence and oppression faced by Palestinians in the West Bank under Israel‘s rule. The article provides a chilling account of the daily life of Palestinians, particularly in the city of Al-Khalil (Hebron), where the apartheid system is deeply entrenched.

The author describes the experiences of Zuleikha, a resident of Al-Khalil who has lived her whole life in the city. She narrates how the once vibrant and bustling neighborhood has been transformed into a ghost town due to the constant presence of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and the harassment and attacks by violent Israeli settlers. The injustice ruling over Al-Khalil is evident through the numerous military bases and checkpoints scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Furthermore, the article explains the division of Al-Khalil into two zones, H1 and H2, following the Oslo Accords. H1 is controlled by the Palestinian Authority, where only Palestinians reside, while H2, the historical center, is entirely governed by the Israeli military and inhabited by Israeli settlers. The presence of Israeli troops in H2 not only fails to protect the local Palestinian population from attacks by settlers but rather acts as a shield granting impunity and protection to settlers. The military presence, with the numerous checkpoints, greatly hampers the daily lives of Palestinians, including their movement and access to basic services.

The Apartheid System in Palestine

The author argues that Al-Khalil is a case study that reveals the apartheid system in operation in Palestine. Through the expansion of Israeli settlements, the division of land, and the differential treatment of Palestinian and Israeli citizens, the apartheid nature of the Israeli occupation becomes starkly visible.

Settlements in the West Bank are increasing, encroaching on Palestinian territories and taking land away from local populations. The author points out that most settlements are slightly detached from main Palestinian urban centers or villages. However, Al-Khalil stands out as both Israeli settlements and military bases are located both around and in the heart of the city, exemplifying the ethnically divided system of land distribution on a small scale within a confined urban space.

The article further underscores the impact of the occupation on Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly those living in area C, administratively similar to Al-Khalil’s H2. Palestinians in these areas are vulnerable to attacks by the IDF and settlers, with no means of opposition. Land theft, eviction, and forced displacement of Palestinians are all too common.

The Human Cost of the Occupation

The personal stories of Zuleikha and Asef, both residents of the West Bank, highlight the dehumanization and oppression faced by Palestinians. Despite the violence and hardships they endure, they refuse to abandon their land and continue to resist through their mere existence.

The article emphasizes the systemic discriminatory practices employed by the Israeli military and courts, where Palestinians are subjected to different legal systems and treated as guilty until proven innocent. The administrative detention of Palestinians without trial, the differential treatment of Israeli settlers, and the lack of support for Palestinians facing eviction and displacement all contribute to the perpetuation of the apartheid system.

Editorial and Advice

The Need for International Attention and Action

The article sheds light on the ongoing human rights abuses and violence inflicted upon Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. It underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address the apartheid system perpetuated by Israel‘s occupation.

The international community must fully recognize and condemn the violations of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, committed by Israel in its treatment of Palestinians. Governments and organizations should put pressure on Israel to end the expansion of settlements, dismantle the apartheid system, and uphold the rights and dignity of all people in the region.

Resisting through Existence

The personal stories of Zuleikha and Asef highlight the resilience and determination of Palestinians in the face of oppression. Their refusal to abandon their land and their commitment to resistance through their mere existence deserve admiration and support from the international community.

It is essential to amplify the voices of the Palestinian people and provide platforms for their stories to be heard. By doing so, we can work towards dismantling the systematic oppression and achieving a just and lasting peace in Palestine, where the rights and dignity of all people are respected and protected.