The Long Road to an Independent Palestine

Global boycotts such as those carried out against South Africa are a long-term way to pressure Israel.

Finding a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not easy. Although there is international agreement to resolve the issue, its implementation is hindered by Israel's continuous violations, such as illegal settlement expansions, construction of separation walls, and military aggression.

Unconditional support from Western countries has made Israel more arrogant and feel free to do as they please. Israel refuses to comply with United Nations (UN) resolutions that call for a withdrawal from the territory it has occupied since 1967.

Instead, Israel continues to violate human rights and international law, confiscating Palestinian homes and gardens, and expelling and isolating them. Although there are international agreements, such as the Oslo Accords, their implementation is hampered by Israel's unilateral actions.

Also read: Human Defense Ambivalence

At the same time, Palestinian factions also face internal challenges, with a rift between Fatah and Hamas hindering coordination and joint negotiations in efforts to achieve a peace agreement. Sharp differences also occur among fellow Arab countries. Israel exploits this division to continue its occupation.

AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI

Israeli resident of Palestinian descent, Karim Younes, carried the Palestinian flag after being released from serving time in an Israeli prison in the city of Ara on Thursday (5/1/2023).

Ideological factors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel's ambition for Greater Israel at the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2023. On the other hand, Hamas has been willing to accept a Palestinian state in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, which implicitly recognizes the existence of Israel. However, Israel remains firm in its stance. Hamas' willingness to compromise should be welcomed in order to pave the way towards sustainable peace.

Hamas has been open to dialogue and negotiations with Israel. Hamas' New Charter (Doha, 15/5/17) shows a relaxation in its political position, while Israel persists in its illegal claims to Palestinian territory. In fact, this claim was enshrined in the "Basic Law" of the state of Israel on July 19 2018 when the Israeli parliament (Knesset) passed the "State of the Jewish People" law.

Hamas's willingness to compromise should be welcomed to pave the way to sustainable peace.

The role of Western countries

Western democracies, for various motives and considerations, are not interested in stopping Israel's brutality. United States President Joe Biden even strengthened his support for Israel during his last visit. This support gave Israel the courage to continue its genocide in Gaza.

Due to receiving unconditional support from Western countries, especially the United States, Israel feels safe to continue violating international law. This situation weakens the position of Palestine and those who seek a peaceful settlement for the Palestinian people's rights in international forums.

Long term strategy

The two-state solution seems going nowhere. The intifada, armed struggle, descriptions of horror and wails of protesters, demonstrations and resolutions of international institutions have not been able to encourage Israel and its defending countries to move towards the realization of various agreements and resolutions aimed at ending the occupation. Israel continues to terrorize the Palestinian population every day with impunity. There is no price Israel must pay for the crimes of the occupation.

The only remaining hope seems to be in the BDS movement (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) which will succeed in reducing foreign investment in Israel. Global boycotts such as those carried out against South Africa during the apartheid political era are a long-term way to pressure Israel.

BDS has recorded several successes, including massive divestments by the Swedish Church, United Methodist Church, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Kuwaiti investment funds, United Nations agencies, labor unions, universities, restaurant networks, and others from G4S (a leading integrated security company in the world).

Also read: Measuring the Effectiveness of Boycotts on Business Performance

Allied Universal was forced to end its investment in Israel due to pressure from Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), which manages pension fund programs. Israeli ships have also been banned from docking at ports in Oakland, California, South Africa, Sweden, and India in recent years.

The National Congress of Chile has banned products from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Medical students from the University of Chile have decided to cut institutional ties with Israeli universities. Oman's Salam Air company has withdrawn from the Bahrain International Air Show.

Kuwait Financial House removed its logo from the list of exhibition sponsors due to an Israeli company's participation. The Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa boycotted Israeli institutions, as did the University of Johannesburg (UJ) which decided to sever ties with Israel's Ben-Gurion University (BGU).

The issue of air pollution is not new. The circumstances of communities at risk from air pollution have been ongoing for a long time. There is abundant research evidence showing the threats posed by the impacts of air pollution. However, this has not yet been able to drive significant efforts to control air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly in distress due to the suffocating air pollution. In 2015, the global policy think tank, Rand Corporation, estimated that Israel's gross domestic product lost around 15 billion US dollars. Bloomberg reported that foreign investment in Israel has drastically declined by 2023. The BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) weapon is considered the most effective.

Indonesia's position

Indonesia's position is correct in rejecting to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Through diplomatic efforts, Indonesia continues to be a moral voice and advocate for the Palestinian people in international and regional forums.

This diplomatic struggle has been excellently demonstrated by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Indonesia needs to support the BDS movement, which is expected to increase pressure on Israel and encourage the attainment of Palestinian independence.

Pipip A Rifai Hasan, Master Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Paramadina University

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Pipip A Rifai Hasan