Apartheid In Israel-Palestine?

Aldo Vega ENC1102 

   
     Blog Post 1- Part 1

To begin, we must define the term "community" in the context of this project. A community, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "a unified body of individuals" who share a common interest, goal, or identity. Another definition available is- a particular area or place considered together with its inhabitants. We can broaden this definition for our purposes to include any group of people who share a common experience, background, or perspective. In this case we will be looking into the Palestinian apartheid that encompasses Israel.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of communities that are affected by and influenced by this controversial topic.
   

• Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza

• Israeli settlers in the West Bank

• Israeli citizens who support or oppose the occupation of Palestinian territories

• Jewish people around the world who have a connection to Israel or Palestine

• Muslim people around the world who support the Palestinian cause

• Advocates for human rights and social justice who are concerned about the treatment of Palestinians

• Political leaders and policymakers who are involved in shaping the relationship between Israel and Palestine

Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza: As the group most directly affected by the Israeli government's policies, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are an important community to consider in any discussion of Palestinian apartheid. Their stories offer a glimpse into the day-to-day realities of life under occupation, and their voices are frequently silenced in mainstream media coverage of the conflict.

Jewish people all over the world with ties to Israel or Palestine: Given the region's historical and cultural significance to Jews, it is critical to comprehend the perspectives and experiences of those who identify as Jewish and have a connection to Israel or Palestine. This community is diverse and complex, with many different perspectives on the conflict.

Human rights activists: Finally, I believe it is critical to consider the viewpoints of those working to promote human rights and social justice for all people in the region. These people and organizations are frequently at the forefront of efforts to end the occupation and promote a more non-partisan and peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

To better understand the challenges and conflicts among these communities, I would begin by performing some background study. This could include reading related news items, opinion pieces, and scholarly articles, as well as looking into social media and other online forums where people are discussing the problems. From the research compiled it can be said that the Palestinian people are being treated systemically differently by the government, system, and law enforcement in Palestine. 

Blog Post 1- Part 2

The key problematic research issue that will drive my initial research is: How has the Israeli government's policies toward the Palestinian people resulted in a region-wide apartheid-like situation?

This issue was chosen because the situation in Palestine has been a long-running war in which many individuals on both sides have suffered. It is a difficult and delicate problem, and it is critical to explore and raise awareness about it. The term "apartheid" has strong implications, and it is crucial to consider whether it is suitable to use in this context.

In response to this issue, my present position is that the Israeli government's practices toward the Palestinian people have established an apartheid-like scenario in the region. There is evidence that Palestinian citizens endure apartheid-like discrimination in areas such as housing, education, and employment, and that there is a clear power and rights imbalance between Israelis and Palestinians. It is crucial to recognize, however, that this is a complicated matter with controversial ideas and points of view to consider.
I will be taking advantage of a number of sources in order to come up with a workable solution. These will include academic studies, news reports, government records, and potentially first person accounts. Given that the situation is always changing, I will need to keep up with the newest events and guarantee that my sources are trustworthy. Information found through field research could also be beneficial, especially in acquiring firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground.

All in all, I believe that researching the problem of apartheid in Palestine is critical not just for the community but also for me. It is critical to analyze and oppose oppressive systems, as well as work toward a more equal and just society. While the problem is complex and multidimensional, I believe that with thorough investigation and analysis, we can obtain a better understanding of it and strive toward significant change.

 

Source 1-

Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association and the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School. “Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry on the 2022 Conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: Evidence of Apartheid in the West Bank.” March 2022, http://hrp.law.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IHRC-Addameer-Submission-to-HRC-COI-Apartheid-in-WB.pdf.

This report was submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, by the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School and the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. The report examines the Israeli government's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, which includes the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. According to the authors, these policies and activities constitute apartheid under international law. The report covers a wide range of topics, including land confiscation, settlement expansion, and the denial of basic human rights to Palestinians. The paper is well-researched, with several instances and data to back up its claims. As it was submitted to a UN commission, the credibility of the source is high. Nonetheless, this source is a cohesive and in-depth source pertaining to the situation that Palestinians are living in to this day.

This report was produced by the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School, which is well-respected for its research and advocacy on human rights issues. The report also relies on a range of credible sources, including UN reports, legal documents, and NGO reports.

Source 2-

Greenstein, Ran. “Israel, Palestine, and Apartheid.” Insight Turkey, vol. 22, no. 1, 2020, pp. 73–92. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26921169.

Ran Greenstein's article "Israel, Palestine, and Apartheid" provides an in-depth analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the applicability of the term apartheid to Israel's policies toward Palestinians. The author contends that Israel's policies toward Palestinians fall within the legal definition of apartheid as defined by international law. The article begins by situating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing its origins to the early twentieth century and the establishment of Israel in 1948. It also discusses the evolution of Israeli policies toward Palestinians, beginning with the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war and continuing with the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, as well as the ongoing settlement construction and annexation of Palestinian territories. The article examines the Israeli legal and policy framework in depth, arguing that it is based on a system of racial discrimination that favors Jewish Israelis at the expense of Palestinians. It explains how Israel has established a separate legal and administrative system for Palestinians in the West Bank that is subject to military law, while Jewish settlers in the same territory are subject to civilian law. Overall, "Israel, Palestine, and Apartheid" provides a thorough examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the definition of apartheid in relation to Israel's policies toward Palestinians.

 Ran Greenstein is a well-respected scholar of Israeli-Palestinian relations and has published extensively on the topic. The article is published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and provides a detailed analysis of the legal and policy framework in Israel-Palestine.

All in all, these sources influence my thinking about whether Israel's policies toward Palestinians alleged apartheid. The Addameer report provides detailed evidence of Israel's institutionalized and systematic nature in the West Bank, whereas the Greenstein article provides a broader analysis of the conflict's legal and historical context. Both sources are credible and present compelling arguments for the use of the term apartheid in describing the situation in Israel-Palestine. As a result, they agree that Israel's policies toward Palestinians constitute apartheid under international law. Nonetheless, this is a multifaceted topic with many different points of view.

Bibliographic Information:

Gilboa, E. (2021). The Palestinian campaign against Israel at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Israel Affairs, 27(1), 68-88. https://doi.org/10.1080/13537121.2021.1864849

Eytan Gilboa examines the Palestinian campaign against Israel at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva in this article. Gilboa investigates the UN Human Rights Council's activities and its disproportionate focus on Israel, particularly the frequency and intensity of anti-Israel resolutions, as well as the various mechanisms and procedures used by the UNHRC to promote the Palestinian narrative and delegitimize Israel. The article also examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advancing the Palestinian agenda, focusing on Palestinian NGOs and their collaboration with international NGOs. Gilboa contends that the UNHCR's activities contribute to Israel's delegitimization, violate the universality principle of human rights, and undermine the UN's credibility.

Eytan Gilboa is a political science and communication professor at Israel's Bar-Ilan University. He is a well-known commentator on Israeli foreign policy and has written extensively on Israeli politics, public diplomacy, and international communication. The journal in which this article was published, Israel Affairs, is a peer-reviewed academic journal focusing on contemporary Israeli politics, society, and culture. Routledge, a reputable academic publisher, publishes the journal.

Gilboa's article sheds light on the activities of the United Nations Human Rights Council in relation to Israel and Palestine. It sheds light on the UNHRC's disproportionate focus on Israel, which is relevant to the primary research question about the nature of Israel-Palestine conflict. The article also discusses the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting the Palestinian agenda and delegitimizing Israel, which can help inform the research question about the various conflict actors. Furthermore, the analysis of the UNHRC's activities and their impact on Israel's legitimacy in the article can help inform the research question about the international community's perceptions of the conflict. Overall, Gilboa's article is a credible and valuable resource for anyone researching the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as the role of the United Nations.

Bibliographic Information:

Khalil, Asem. "The Role of Legal Frameworks in Addressing State-Sponsored Discrimination: Insights from Palestine." Holy Land Studies, vol. 19, no. 2, 2020, pp. 179-195. https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/hlps.2020.0239

Asem Khalil examines the role of legal frameworks in addressing state-sponsored discrimination using the case of Palestine in this article. The article contends that international human rights law, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and other factors, provides a normative framework for addressing discrimination in the Palestinian context. The article also discusses how Israel's legal framework has been used to justify discriminatory practices, such as settlement construction in the West Bank and the application of different legal regimes for Jewish settlers and Palestinian residents. Khalil concludes by advocating for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating discrimination in Palestine, including legal, political, and social measures.

This article appears in Holy Land Studies, a peer-reviewed academic journal specializing in research on Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East as a whole. Asem Khalil, the author, is a law professor and the director of the Human Rights Program at Birzeit University in Palestine. He has written extensively on human rights and international law. The author's expertise and experience are based on a thorough review of relevant literature and legal documents.

This source sheds light on the role of legal frameworks in combating state-sponsored discrimination, particularly in the context of Palestine. The article emphasizes how international human rights law can be used to challenge discriminatory practices, while also recognizing the limitations of legal approaches alone. The article's emphasis on Palestine also serves as a specific case study that can be used to inform broader discussions about discrimination and human rights. Overall, this source informs my perspective by emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks in addressing discrimination while also emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of discrimination.

The four sources address the issue of state-sponsored discrimination and apartheid in the occupied Palestinian territory. They all explore the role of legal frameworks and international organizations in addressing the violations of human rights and the exploitation of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state.

Sources 1 and 4 both discuss the concept of apartheid and its application to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khalil (source 1) argues that legal frameworks are crucial in addressing apartheid and state-sponsored discrimination, while Greenstein (source 4) explores the similarities and differences between the South African and Palestinian experiences of apartheid.

Source 2, by Gilboa, focuses on the Palestinian campaign against Israel at the United Nations Human Rights Council, examining the tactics used by both sides in advancing their respective positions. The article emphasizes the role of legal frameworks and international law in the ongoing conflict and the need for objective assessments of the situation.

Source 3, by Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association and the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School, provides evidence of apartheid in the West Bank and advocates for action by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The submission highlights the role of international law and human rights frameworks in addressing state-sponsored discrimination and human rights violations.

While the sources share a common concern for the human rights of Palestinians and the need for legal frameworks and international organizations to address the issue, they differ in their approaches and perspectives. Some sources focus on the legal frameworks and international law, while others emphasize the role of activism and public campaigns in addressing apartheid and human rights violations.

Overall, these sources provide a range of perspectives on the issue of state-sponsored discrimination and apartheid in Palestine and highlight the importance of legal frameworks, international law, and human rights in addressing the ongoing conflict.

 




Synthesis--

In synthesis, these sources address the research question of the state of human rights in Palestine, with a special emphasis on state-sponsored discrimination, the Palestinian campaign against Israel at the UN Human Rights Council, and evidence of apartheid in the West Bank.

Furthermore, they provide a variety of responses to the research question. Legal frameworks, according to Khalil, can play a significant role in addressing state-sponsored discrimination in Palestine. Gilboa speaks at the United Nations Human Rights Council about the Palestinian campaign against Israel, arguing that it is a political tool rather than a genuine attempt to address human rights issues. The Addameer and Harvard Law School submission cites various discriminatory practices and policies imposed by Israel as evidence of apartheid in the West Bank. Greenstein's article examines the apartheid debate in relation to Israel and Palestine, arguing that drawing parallels with South African apartheid is inappropriate.

The sources provide various points of view and evidence that can be used to support or refute the thesis. For example, evidence presented in the Addameer and Harvard Law School submissions supports the thesis that apartheid exists in the West Bank. Greenstein's article, on the other hand, challenges the thesis by arguing that the apartheid comparison is inappropriate. Personally, I believe that the evidence presented in the Addameer and Harvard Law School submissions is the most pertinent, useful, and persuasive. The submission provides a detailed analysis of Israel's discriminatory practices and policies in the West Bank, which supports the thesis of apartheid.

Oftentimes interesting questions are raised, such as whether the apartheid comparison is appropriate, and how legal frameworks can be used to address state-sponsored discrimination. The research has revealed the complexities of the Palestinian human rights situation as well as the various points of view on the subject. Because of the research, I now have a better understanding of the human rights situation in Palestine and the complexities of the issue. The issue is significant because it involves fundamental human rights, and resolving it would have far-reaching consequences for the people who live in the region. The study emphasizes the importance of combating state-sponsored discrimination and the need for strong legal frameworks to protect human rights.

The ongoing debate over the use of the term "apartheid" to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is notable. While some academics and human rights organizations argue that Israel's policies and actions toward Palestinians constitute apartheid, others strongly disagree.

The most impactful sources is the submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry on the 2022 Conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association and the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School. The document details Israeli apartheid practices in the West Bank, such as discriminatory laws and policies, forced displacement, and other forms of repression.

All in all, the sources provide different perspectives on the issue of state-sponsored discrimination in Palestine. While some authors argue that the legal framework is insufficient in addressing discrimination, others suggest that the Palestinian campaign against Israel at the United Nations Human Rights Council is biased. The sources also highlight evidence of apartheid in the West Bank, and one author argues that Israel is practicing apartheid in Palestine. Through this research, it is clear that the topic of discrimination in Palestine is complex and multifaceted, and there is a need for further discussion and analysis.