Following each Israeli war on Gaza, various stories come to light. Some accounts concentrate on who won or lost, while others, intentionally or not, use the aftermath to their advantage. This isn’t always negative, as the humanitarian problems created by Israeli actions are obvious. Frequently, Israel and its allies use aid to Palestinians as a tool, attempting to gain political advantages or put pressure on Gaza and its leaders. However, the main concern is the continuing story about these conflicts and how it often ignores the dignity of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Ramzy Baroud emphasizes that it’s crucial to focus on the experiences of everyday Palestinians. He explains that the challenge is to move the conversation away from politically driven stories, which often serve specific interests, and toward the real suffering of Palestinians, who are always the main victims of war. This focus aims to prevent the silencing of Palestinian voices, pushing against the trend of viewing the conflict only through a political or strategic viewpoint. Instead, Baroud suggests focusing on stories of strength and the fight for self-determination.
According to Baroud, many current stories are designed to maintain the current situation that keeps Palestinians as victims. He stresses that it’s not just about telling stories of suffering, but also of resistance, and the amazing ability of Palestinians to resist, rebuild, and never abandon their beliefs in justice and freedom. Therefore, the aim is to amplify Palestinian voices and control their own story after the war, ensuring it truly reflects their experiences and hopes.
The final goal is to move away from politically driven narratives and toward a more human-centered approach. This would recognize the deep impact of conflict on individuals while acknowledging the power of Palestinians to shape their own future. By focusing on these stories, it allows the world to see the strength and resilience of the Palestinian people beyond the political and strategic angles.