Public Comment

As we commemorate Indigenous Day and reflect on the history of oppression and resistance, it is essential to address the ongoing violence in Israel and its root causes. The violence that has erupted in recent days between Hamas and Israel, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, highlights the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

The roots of this conflict trace back to 1948, preceding the birth of Israel, fueled by decades of unconditional U.S. support in terms of money and weapons. This support has led to seething Palestinian resentment of apartheid policies and brutal occupation. The culmination of this resentment has resulted in the current dire situation, with Gaza under siege and the continued oppression of the Palestinian people. 

Historian Rashid Khalidi aptly describes the situation as Palestinians living under incredible oppression, stating that it was bound to explode. The blockade of Gaza has been a pressure cooker, and it was only a matter of time before it erupted. Khalidi rightly points out that the U.S. has played a significant role in financing this occupation and violence. 

The recent pledge of more military aid and munitions to Israel, coupled with the movement of U.S. warships towards the region, is a deeply troubling response. Sending more arms to Israel will only add fuel to an already raging inferno. Instead, the United States should prioritize defusing the situation and seeking a just and lasting peace in the region. The outpouring of support for Palestinians across the Middle East in response to the recent violence underscores the fact that the Palestinian cause remains a deeply felt rallying cry in the region. Diplomatic normalization agreements between Israel and Arab governments, such as the Abraham Accords, will do little to change this reality. As long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, stability in the Middle East will remain elusive. 

It is crucial that the international community, led by the United States, takes immediate action to address the root causes of the violence. The first step must be to lift the siege of Gaza and end the brutal occupation. Accountability for militant settler violence should also be demanded. 

As we remember the Indigenous peoples who have suffered throughout history, let us also stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and work towards a future where peace, justice, and equality prevail.