By María T. Collado Sierra
In the aftermath of recent events that unfolded in Gaza throughout the month of October, we must delve deeper into the context and complexities surrounding the situation.
First and foremost, we must be clear that what we are witnessing in Gaza is genocide, Apartheid, and ethnic cleansing. There are entire blood- lines of Palestinians being wiped out in indiscriminate bombings as I write this letter. When news comes out that during the month of October of the year 2023, Israel dropped 6,000 bombs in Gaza (which is only about the size of the city of Detroit) in a matter of six days, nearly matching the total number of bombs the U.S. dropped in Afghanistan in one year, that is an act of genocide. It is gut-wrenching that this act of intense violence is just one example from decades of extreme violence from Israelis towards Palestinians. It is heartbreaking to see the death toll in both Israel and Palestine. We must also be clear that according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from the years between 2008 to 2020, “The Human Cost of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” was 251 Israelis compared to 5,590 Palestinians, which illustrates the level of violence Palestinians are facing.
As Puerto Ricans, unfortunately, we know the violence of settler colonialism all too well, and when I see what is happening to our Palestinian siblings in struggle, I cannot imagine the anguish I would feel to watch as another country bombed Puerto Rico to the point of exterminating any of my people left in their homeland. This is why I stand in solidarity with Palestine, and I am calling for truly informed engagement with what is happening in Gaza. I pray this is not the case, but if Israel accomplishes the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, what will you say? Will you say you stood by and watched an entire nation massacred and violently uprooted from the land they have called home for a millennium?
If there is to be truly informed engagement it is imperative to acknowledge the historical context surrounding the state of Israel. The land on which Israel was established was once inhabited by Palestinians who have endured unspeakable violence since the inception of the nation. What we are witnessing today, rather than a mere terrorist attack from Palestinians, is really an act of resistance. Displaced and colonized individuals are steadfastly reclaiming their land through any means necessary. It is worth noting that Palestine does not have an organized military, meanwhile, Israel has one of the most advanced and powerful militaries in the world. They also count on the United States as an unconditional ally. The disparity is further evidenced by President Biden’s recent visit to Gaza. The President announced that $2 billion of our taxpayer dollars will go to abet Israel’s actions.
It is also essential to clarify the nature of Hamas. Often portrayed as a mere militia in the media, Hamas is more than just an armed faction. It is also an elected political body that governs the Gaza Strip. While it’s not my intention to endorse or condemn Hamas, it is important to recognize the multifaceted role that the organization plays in the region’s political land- scape.
Another critical point is that Hamas is not universally recognized as a terrorist organization. This distinction may come as a surprise to some, as media coverage and political rhetoric can often blur this line. It’s essential to approach this subject with an open mind and seek a comprehensive understanding of the various perspectives that exist.
As someone who was born in Puerto Rico, and thus raised and educated in a colonial context, I stand in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. The situation in Israel is a stark example of a colonial project that has driven the displacement and subjugation of an indigenous population. It is crucial to recognize that the struggle for freedom and decolonization should transcend any national and political boundary. The principles of justice, human rights, and self-determination should be upheld, regardless of the actors involved.
The key message here is that colonization, violence, and terror cannot be justified simply because the perpetrators have certain alliances or affiliations. It is essential to view such actions through a lens of critical analysis and empathy for those who have been historically marginalized and op- pressed. The fight for freedom and decolonization should be championed unconditionally, as it is a struggle that transcends borders and speaks to the core of human rights and justice.
