Administration without sovereignty will not free Palestine
Palestinian political analyst and playwright. For nearly three years, Israel and its Western allies have claimed that Hamas’s rule over Gaza was one of the principal obstacles to peace between Israel
For nearly three years, Israel and its Western allies have claimed that Hamas’s rule over Gaza was one of the principal obstacles to peace between Isr
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The claim that Hamas’s governance in Gaza is the primary obstacle to Palestinian statehood oversimplifies a conflict rooted in decades of territorial, legal, and existential disputes. This narrative conveniently shifts responsibility away from Israel’s occupation policies and the international community’s failure to enforce a two-state solution, undermining any credible path to genuine Palestinian sovereignty.
Background Context
Gaza has been under Israeli blockade for 17 years, with its 2 million residents living under conditions that have repeatedly triggered humanitarian crises. The West’s insistence on isolating Hamas while ignoring the broader context of occupation and settlement expansion has perpetuated a cycle of violence and instability, leaving Palestinians without a unified or viable political leadership.
What Happens Next
The next phase of this debate hinges on whether Western powers will prioritize security narratives over legal frameworks like UN resolutions, which demand Palestinian self-determination. If Israel’s military operations continue without a political horizon, the risk of radicalization and further fragmentation of Palestinian governance will grow, making any future peace process even more elusive.
Bigger Picture
The erosion of Palestinian sovereignty reflects a global trend where de facto control is equated with legitimacy, while international law is selectively applied. This sets a dangerous precedent for other occupied territories, normalizing the idea that political rights can be bargained away in exchange for temporary stability.
