The protestant Palestinian organization, Hamas, has been fighting for control of Gaza, with a continued commitment to violence and confrontations within Israel. This group has been designated as a terrorist organization, and their recent attacks on Israel aim to annihilate the state. Despite the expectation that scholars on the subject of international relations convey facts impartially and with objectivity, the research on this topic is incredibly one-sided, with the western perspective being the dominant one. It is essential to look at other perspectives, such as the feminist and postcolonial perspectives, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict.
Hamas is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which translates to Islamic Resistance Movement. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric who became an activist for Palestinian rights, is behind the formation of the organization. The conflict known as the Hamas conflict began in early 2007 when the organization overthrew its political adversaries and took control of Gaza. Hamas sought to maintain Palestinian unity in response to the challenge posed by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which sought to further splinter the Palestinian people by adopting a more militant stance against Israel. In 1988, Hamas published its charter outlining its objectives to destroy Israel and turn ancient Palestine into an Islamic state.
Following their objective of destroying Israel, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel in October 2023. In this attack, almost 1400 people were killed, and many more were taken prisoner. Israel responded by formally declaring war on the group and announcing its intention to launch a protracted military campaign to completely destroy it.
From a feminist perspective, war is a violent activity that affects both the Israeli and Hamas populations equally. However, after the war ends, the violence never stops, especially for women from the losing side. This perspective is missing from traditional theories of security and war. According to official reports posted by the United Nations, women and children are the main victims in the Israel-Hamas war, with 16,000 killed and an estimated two mothers losing their lives every hour since the attack. There is gender inequality in all aspects of wars, including the refugees’ migration, because the men are taken to these camps for training for war, and women have to leave their homes to protect their families.
From a postcolonial perspective, the Israel-Hamas conflict is a manifestation of historical injustices and power imbalances. The conflict is rooted in the colonial legacy of the region, which has created a power imbalance between the Israeli state and the Palestinian people. This power imbalance is evident in the military campaign launched by Israel against Hamas, which has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
To address the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive strategy that considers historical injustices, gender-based violence, and power imbalances. This strategy should promote inclusive strategies that are based on bearing witness to the suffering of oppressed groups, such as the Palestinian people. Transnational female solidarity is a crucial term that can be used to confront colonialism and conflict. Parashar mentions that these conflicts affect women differently than they do other individual actors.
There is a very essential term that can be used to confront colonialism and conflict, the significance of transnational female solidarity and promote inclusive strategies that are based on bearing witness to the suffering of oppressed groups, such as the Palestinian people. Essentially, the combination of viewpoints from the Routledge reading and the previous analysis emphasizes how feminism, post-colonialism, and security dynamics interact to help us understand and address the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This convergence highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that considers historical injustices, gender-based violence, and power imbalances to move toward a more equitable and well-rounded settlement of the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, the Israel-Hamas conflict is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, and social factors that have contributed to its development. By adopting a feminist and postcolonial perspective, we can better understand the conflict and develop strategies that promote peace, justice, and equality for all parties involved.
References
Parasar, Swati (2016) Feminism and Postcolonialism: The Twain Shall Meet, Routledge
UN Women (2024) Facts and figures: Women and girls during the war in Gaza
Parashar, S. (2016). Feminism and Postcolonialism: (En)gendering Encounters. Postcolonial Studies, 19(4), 371–377.
Thank you for your post, Ayushi! I think it is very interesting that you pointed out how women have to leave their homes to protect their families, hence taking on the traditionally more masculine roles. I appreciate your mention of the disproportionate effects of the ongoing conflict on men and women and the need for transnational female solidarity. I believe looking at how during conflicts often frame women as the 'perpetual victim' in so-called 'states of exception' while ignoring the everyday violences that go beyond the times of conflict would be an interesting addition to your analysis of the gendered impact of war.
Thank you for the insightful read! Feminist theoretical discourse highlights the distinct vulnerabilities and forms of agency that women in conflict zones possess, shedding light on their experiences and voices that are frequently disregarded. Furthermore, by exposing the historical legacies and colonial power structures that continue to influence the Israel-Palestine conflict, the postcolonial perspective highlights the significance of liberation and decolonization efforts. Overall, it was very engaging and interesting to read.
Thank you for your thought-provoking analysis of the gendered politics within the Israel-Hamas conflict. Your exploration of feminist and postcolonial perspectives offers a crucial lens through which to understand the complexities of this longstanding conflict. Your emphasis on the impact of war on women and the need for transnational female solidarity to confront colonialism and conflict resonates deeply with my own views. It is essential to acknowledge the disproportionate effects of conflict on women and to center their experiences in conflict resolution effort.
Thank you for the intriguing analysis of the ongoing conflict. Although feminist and postcolonial viewpoints certainly contribute to our comprehension of the Israel-Hamas conflict, it is imperative to acknowledge the intricacies and disputes that are intrinsic to these conceptual frameworks. They may draw criticism for their relevance in such a deeply ingrained and politically inflamed battle, but they can also raise essential considerations regarding gender-based violence and power dynamics. Furthermore, in a highly complicated geopolitical situation, promoting transnational female solidarity as a solution necessitates a thorough assessment of its possible drawbacks and practical ramifications.