In a Drop Site News exclusive, Hamas officials discuss their motivations, political objectives, and the human costs of their armed uprising against Israel
Thank you for this very important article. In 2014 I traveled throughout the West Bank and documented key aspects of the Palestinian struggle for liberation. At that time, a decade ago, the revered Palestinian prisoner and hunger striker, Khader Adnan, told us that Israel was holding 7000 Palestinian "prisoners." I find the term "prisoner" to be extraordinarily misleading because the majority are held indefinitely without charge or trial. This is something that many human rights groups have denounced. The fact that Americans don't know this is because of deep censorship and manipulation of a racist norm. If the Palestinians were white, people would want to know why they attacked and would not fall for such horrific lies. By and large the Palestinians see their struggle as against white settler colonialism, white supremacy and Jewish supremacy. Adnan shared a fascinating story about a Black Jewish soldier taken by Hamas that apparently the Israelis didn't even notice was missing for 8 months. His conclusion was that our solidarity is deeper than our differences. I found that interesting and it's something I have grappled with as a Black American. As a result of simply talking with Khader Adnan, Israel permanently barred the Palestinian-American filmmaker and activist I traveled with from ever returning. They desperately do not want people to know the truth about Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other resistance groups. They know that if we find each other, they will no longer be able to exist as a Jewish only, racist, apartheid state. As horrific as Israel's actions have been and all the lost lives and limbs, it does seem hopeful that for the first time so many are waking up. But now it's essential that we not allow them to scare us into silence.
Thank you, thank you and Thank you. I have been looking for this article for 8 months now. And all the best wishes for this new endeavor, I count on you for in depth analysis and news I can trust and saying I trust my sources is a gift that I am eternally grateful for. All the Love.
Of all the great things about this article, the revelation that the reason behind the annhilation of the Palestinian land and its people is a U.S./Israel capitalist expansion project, is perhaps the most compelling. Long-suspected. Finally revealed. It explains Biden's support. It's another "large-scale development project including dams, mining, monocrop plantations . . . ." (UN language on Asian land grabs) in a long list, including the Amazonian rainforest, that has sent earth into an extinction spiral. This genocide, this destruction of habitat, life and people is a capitalist killing spree for the pursuit of profit.
I hope this article is the first of many that mark the shift to serious journalism relating to the Palestinian genocide, and the political realities that brought about this moment in history.
It’s important to hear these voices. I appreciate you providing the opportunity for us to hear them. And I appreciate the nuanced balance between censoring some voices versus presenting unfiltered propaganda. Thanks for this, and I look forward to more.
October 7th is analogous to Nat Turner’s Slave rebellion. As JFK once said, When peaceful revolution is impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable. Palestinians have been using peaceful protest and passive resistance for many decades and Israel has just doubled down on the oppression, settlements, detentions, killings, etc. And, as you pointed out, Netanyahu’s government was planning on taking everything from the river to the sea.
I was wondering what was up with the departure from the Intercept, so I subscribed last night. Read this first post, had my question answered, and immediately signed up for an annual subscription. As a historian, I deeply appreciate this much needed contextualization/historicization of Palestine’s century long struggle against colonization. Also very much appreciate the inclusion of Khalidi’s perspective: deeply empathetic (as historians should be) and critical/cautious at the same time.
Thank you, Mr. Scahill! You are actually doing something to revive the reputation of American journalism, after the medium increasingly descended into insular, insider-PC-lameness and unapologetic idiocracy. In other words, I think you are doing real journalism and earning your paycheck.
What a powerful article and powerful beginning for Drop Site. Thank you for giving space to Palestinian voices of resistance. I have often felt that the people of Gaza would never have asked to be martyred in this way. The barbarity of Israel’s genocidal campaign and the complicity of the West has laid bare the depravity of this world dis-order. The deafening silence during so many years of injustice and oppression -the violence of the Zionist colonial project and the impunity granted the cry-bully Israeli regime -needed the world’s attention. It’s shattering to think of the price that has been paid.
Thanks to Amy Goodwin, I am now your supporter. I started studying this thing right after Israel started bombing the heck out of civilians in Gaza. I knew a lot of what you have reported but not so much detail...And, I said very early on, "Hamas is NOT the bad guy". People were stunned. I have tried to educated friends and relatives but it's damned hard when they have been propagandized to support Israel because of "no no to antisemitism" and the GD Holocaust. Plus, it took hours, months of research mostly from Israeli Jews to put the pieces together. Given I had almost zero knowledge of the history of that region. I am still learning.
Judith two things I personally learned from those who vehemently refuse to even remotely consider anything else. Since they all repeat the same thing verbatim I assume they read it on social media:
1) People are always blaming the Jews for everything - 2) If Hamas is so great then why have they never done anything for the Palestinians with all the millions of dollars they've received?
Some comments referred to the Christians getting rid of the many pagan gods in the 4th century...and a book about that: “the Darkening Age”.... Catherine Nixey...I read the recommendations on Amazon....I don't have time for another book.... It got me thinking: was Judaism the only "pagan" religion the Christians couldn't wipe out??
Maybe THAT is the real reason for antisemitism...besides the Jews always seem to get on people's nerves. I've been trying to figure it out for many years and of course no one will tell you. Jews sure won't go there. They have created a very bad situation now. With Germany and America very pro Jews...how long will that last? They sure know how to push it to the limit........It's like "watch this, see what more we can get away with!!"......: bombing schools, hospitals, starving people.,,,etc etc etc...
It's sad all created possibly by one madman who has now put a bullseye on the back of all Jews throughout the world. This didn't have to be. Jews will never be seen the same way.
The very worst part of all of this is how he and Israel have sacrificed "Jews" all because of their quest and the fight for control and power in the middle east. This entire conflict was premediated and entirely about the offshore Palestinian oil and gas reserves and development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Trade routes from India to Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece, while avoiding Iran. But it also required eliminating the Palestinians and taking their land.
It's not created by one madman....this has been going on since before 1948. Israelis have been taught to hate those filthy rats since childhood. and it's est. that 95% of Israelis believe Palestinians deserve to be treated this way. If there's a bullseye on the back of all Jews in the world then perhaps they have earned it. In the USA there are many talented fine Jews who don't deserve it but let's face it, most still support Israel, whatever it does. Israel chose their President and let's hope the USA does NOT choose TFFG again...because if it does, then I guess we deserve a shit leader. The human race is a big disappointment: seriously look at us.
Agree Judy but he certainly brought it to the forefront - how many people can honestly say they knew nothing about the extent of this until now? How many others will say or did say, the Palestinians deserved everythng that Israel did - until they too learned the history? There's no coming back from this - it's an indelible mark. Never before did we see Jews in this way. I know and have myriad Jews friends and it has now become a lightening rod to even mention it not knowing where they stand.
I will say this Judy, I've stopped patronizing Jewish businesses. Not because I am an antisemite but they had more power to stop this and didn't. They could've summoned the entire Jewish community to arms and didn't.
Don't get me wrong hundreds of thousands of Jews not only sponsored but organized the protests - but it wasn't enough. Hollywood and every politician could've rightfully stood up but instead, cowered while the Palestinians are being slaughtered. Thankfully these people will have not have perished in vain but how ironic is it that those that live will now be considered the real Holocaust survivors.
There seem to be few who feel or see the way we do. I can not imagine the future for Palestinians when this is "over".....where will they live? Who will rebuild all the infrastructure? How pissed off will every Palestinian be after losing friends and relatives...and body parts.
I decided early on that they should get all the settlements in the West Bank, intact. and the Jews and whomever (those crazy Christians) that invaded that Palestinian land should just get out.....But, of course that will never happen. Like the Jews after WW2...find them a new land? But, really, Palestine IS their land.
Another big bombing in a safe zone today. 90+ killed, 300+ wounded...hospital has not even antiseptics....
BTW: Humans are the worst mammal...and even the non mammals are better, like insects and fish. No other animal destroys the homes of their females and children and Hello! : The EARTH!
very informative and a view into Hamas I've not gotten anywhere else where I receive my news. I look forward to getting more and enjoying true news from this subscription. Thank you, truly!
What a mic drop start to this new service. Already you have provided more important and relevant coverage of this topic than any corporate media outlet has in the last 9 months. Not bad sir!
Sadly, we, as American voters have the choice between genocide Joe, who probably partly supports Israel because he's soft in the head, and Trump who said in the debate that Israel "just had to finish the job:".
Of course, if Biden is replaced, the Donor Lobby will make sure the new candidate supports anything crazy fascist Israel does. Very depressing for any sure justice for Palestine, but we have to keep plugging along.
Judith, you neglected to mention RFK Jr. who could be worse than both of them, combined!!! He not only said the Palestinians are the most pampered people in the world, he then doubled down and said, they had no right to defend themselves. Just shocking and it spoke volumes that obviously he could be bought and bullied contrary to Kucinich's statement when he spoke at his announcement in Boston. Kucinich left the campaign shortly thereafter - many suspect because of Bobby's staunch support. So much more can be said about his stance but I shall leave it at that.
I didn't neglect mentioning him....I have limited attention and have been focusing on Israel a lot. No time for RFK jr. , he just seems like a nut case and will just take votes away from Biden...who, in spite of his stupidity on Israel, he's better than the crazy guy.
I spent decades, when I wasn't raising humans and running a business, only paying attention to art, theater and literature so I learned nothing about politics or history.
Very good article. Well researched and well written. I have been thinking about this since last October and what I can't figure out is why Hamas did not realize that Israel knew they were going to attack. With the amount of surveillance that was going on in Gaza, Israel must have known this was being planned. And surely Hamas would have known that Israel knew. It seems that Israel might have pulled back and allowed the attack to happen so they could then retaliate by bombing everything in Gaza.
It somehow reminds me of when US govt agencies would infiltrate mosques in the US and then they would encourage a group of young men to plan an attack on something. The agents would help them plan and help them buy weapons and then arrest everybody. Except usually these young men were not very wise and were easily led. I think Hamas leaders are sharp and wise, but still it seems as if a trap was set up for them. IDK. It worries me.
Thank you for this very important article. In 2014 I traveled throughout the West Bank and documented key aspects of the Palestinian struggle for liberation. At that time, a decade ago, the revered Palestinian prisoner and hunger striker, Khader Adnan, told us that Israel was holding 7000 Palestinian "prisoners." I find the term "prisoner" to be extraordinarily misleading because the majority are held indefinitely without charge or trial. This is something that many human rights groups have denounced. The fact that Americans don't know this is because of deep censorship and manipulation of a racist norm. If the Palestinians were white, people would want to know why they attacked and would not fall for such horrific lies. By and large the Palestinians see their struggle as against white settler colonialism, white supremacy and Jewish supremacy. Adnan shared a fascinating story about a Black Jewish soldier taken by Hamas that apparently the Israelis didn't even notice was missing for 8 months. His conclusion was that our solidarity is deeper than our differences. I found that interesting and it's something I have grappled with as a Black American. As a result of simply talking with Khader Adnan, Israel permanently barred the Palestinian-American filmmaker and activist I traveled with from ever returning. They desperately do not want people to know the truth about Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other resistance groups. They know that if we find each other, they will no longer be able to exist as a Jewish only, racist, apartheid state. As horrific as Israel's actions have been and all the lost lives and limbs, it does seem hopeful that for the first time so many are waking up. But now it's essential that we not allow them to scare us into silence.
Thank you, thank you and Thank you. I have been looking for this article for 8 months now. And all the best wishes for this new endeavor, I count on you for in depth analysis and news I can trust and saying I trust my sources is a gift that I am eternally grateful for. All the Love.
+1
Of all the great things about this article, the revelation that the reason behind the annhilation of the Palestinian land and its people is a U.S./Israel capitalist expansion project, is perhaps the most compelling. Long-suspected. Finally revealed. It explains Biden's support. It's another "large-scale development project including dams, mining, monocrop plantations . . . ." (UN language on Asian land grabs) in a long list, including the Amazonian rainforest, that has sent earth into an extinction spiral. This genocide, this destruction of habitat, life and people is a capitalist killing spree for the pursuit of profit.
I hope this article is the first of many that mark the shift to serious journalism relating to the Palestinian genocide, and the political realities that brought about this moment in history.
Thank you!
It’s important to hear these voices. I appreciate you providing the opportunity for us to hear them. And I appreciate the nuanced balance between censoring some voices versus presenting unfiltered propaganda. Thanks for this, and I look forward to more.
October 7th is analogous to Nat Turner’s Slave rebellion. As JFK once said, When peaceful revolution is impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable. Palestinians have been using peaceful protest and passive resistance for many decades and Israel has just doubled down on the oppression, settlements, detentions, killings, etc. And, as you pointed out, Netanyahu’s government was planning on taking everything from the river to the sea.
I was wondering what was up with the departure from the Intercept, so I subscribed last night. Read this first post, had my question answered, and immediately signed up for an annual subscription. As a historian, I deeply appreciate this much needed contextualization/historicization of Palestine’s century long struggle against colonization. Also very much appreciate the inclusion of Khalidi’s perspective: deeply empathetic (as historians should be) and critical/cautious at the same time.
Thank you for the hard to get NEWS other than the Zionist controled smog we are smothered in.
I believe Netanyahu is stalling for time to get a break after Nov elections.
Its nice to get a human view of HAMAS. They really are human and have valuable lives to LIVE.
I'm looking forward to your sucess.
Thank you, Mr. Scahill! You are actually doing something to revive the reputation of American journalism, after the medium increasingly descended into insular, insider-PC-lameness and unapologetic idiocracy. In other words, I think you are doing real journalism and earning your paycheck.
What a powerful article and powerful beginning for Drop Site. Thank you for giving space to Palestinian voices of resistance. I have often felt that the people of Gaza would never have asked to be martyred in this way. The barbarity of Israel’s genocidal campaign and the complicity of the West has laid bare the depravity of this world dis-order. The deafening silence during so many years of injustice and oppression -the violence of the Zionist colonial project and the impunity granted the cry-bully Israeli regime -needed the world’s attention. It’s shattering to think of the price that has been paid.
Thanks to Amy Goodwin, I am now your supporter. I started studying this thing right after Israel started bombing the heck out of civilians in Gaza. I knew a lot of what you have reported but not so much detail...And, I said very early on, "Hamas is NOT the bad guy". People were stunned. I have tried to educated friends and relatives but it's damned hard when they have been propagandized to support Israel because of "no no to antisemitism" and the GD Holocaust. Plus, it took hours, months of research mostly from Israeli Jews to put the pieces together. Given I had almost zero knowledge of the history of that region. I am still learning.
Judith two things I personally learned from those who vehemently refuse to even remotely consider anything else. Since they all repeat the same thing verbatim I assume they read it on social media:
1) People are always blaming the Jews for everything - 2) If Hamas is so great then why have they never done anything for the Palestinians with all the millions of dollars they've received?
GD commenters in the NYTimes say that shit. Propagandized. I did read an article today about a marble statue found in a Bulgaria ancient sewer. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/world/europe/bulgaria-statue-roman-sewer-archaeologists.html#commentsContainer
Some comments referred to the Christians getting rid of the many pagan gods in the 4th century...and a book about that: “the Darkening Age”.... Catherine Nixey...I read the recommendations on Amazon....I don't have time for another book.... It got me thinking: was Judaism the only "pagan" religion the Christians couldn't wipe out??
Maybe THAT is the real reason for antisemitism...besides the Jews always seem to get on people's nerves. I've been trying to figure it out for many years and of course no one will tell you. Jews sure won't go there. They have created a very bad situation now. With Germany and America very pro Jews...how long will that last? They sure know how to push it to the limit........It's like "watch this, see what more we can get away with!!"......: bombing schools, hospitals, starving people.,,,etc etc etc...
It's sad all created possibly by one madman who has now put a bullseye on the back of all Jews throughout the world. This didn't have to be. Jews will never be seen the same way.
The very worst part of all of this is how he and Israel have sacrificed "Jews" all because of their quest and the fight for control and power in the middle east. This entire conflict was premediated and entirely about the offshore Palestinian oil and gas reserves and development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Trade routes from India to Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece, while avoiding Iran. But it also required eliminating the Palestinians and taking their land.
It's not created by one madman....this has been going on since before 1948. Israelis have been taught to hate those filthy rats since childhood. and it's est. that 95% of Israelis believe Palestinians deserve to be treated this way. If there's a bullseye on the back of all Jews in the world then perhaps they have earned it. In the USA there are many talented fine Jews who don't deserve it but let's face it, most still support Israel, whatever it does. Israel chose their President and let's hope the USA does NOT choose TFFG again...because if it does, then I guess we deserve a shit leader. The human race is a big disappointment: seriously look at us.
Agree Judy but he certainly brought it to the forefront - how many people can honestly say they knew nothing about the extent of this until now? How many others will say or did say, the Palestinians deserved everythng that Israel did - until they too learned the history? There's no coming back from this - it's an indelible mark. Never before did we see Jews in this way. I know and have myriad Jews friends and it has now become a lightening rod to even mention it not knowing where they stand.
I will say this Judy, I've stopped patronizing Jewish businesses. Not because I am an antisemite but they had more power to stop this and didn't. They could've summoned the entire Jewish community to arms and didn't.
Don't get me wrong hundreds of thousands of Jews not only sponsored but organized the protests - but it wasn't enough. Hollywood and every politician could've rightfully stood up but instead, cowered while the Palestinians are being slaughtered. Thankfully these people will have not have perished in vain but how ironic is it that those that live will now be considered the real Holocaust survivors.
I once read the "human race" is the worst race!
There seem to be few who feel or see the way we do. I can not imagine the future for Palestinians when this is "over".....where will they live? Who will rebuild all the infrastructure? How pissed off will every Palestinian be after losing friends and relatives...and body parts.
I decided early on that they should get all the settlements in the West Bank, intact. and the Jews and whomever (those crazy Christians) that invaded that Palestinian land should just get out.....But, of course that will never happen. Like the Jews after WW2...find them a new land? But, really, Palestine IS their land.
Another big bombing in a safe zone today. 90+ killed, 300+ wounded...hospital has not even antiseptics....
BTW: Humans are the worst mammal...and even the non mammals are better, like insects and fish. No other animal destroys the homes of their females and children and Hello! : The EARTH!
very informative and a view into Hamas I've not gotten anywhere else where I receive my news. I look forward to getting more and enjoying true news from this subscription. Thank you, truly!
What a mic drop start to this new service. Already you have provided more important and relevant coverage of this topic than any corporate media outlet has in the last 9 months. Not bad sir!
Sadly, we, as American voters have the choice between genocide Joe, who probably partly supports Israel because he's soft in the head, and Trump who said in the debate that Israel "just had to finish the job:".
Of course, if Biden is replaced, the Donor Lobby will make sure the new candidate supports anything crazy fascist Israel does. Very depressing for any sure justice for Palestine, but we have to keep plugging along.
Judith, you neglected to mention RFK Jr. who could be worse than both of them, combined!!! He not only said the Palestinians are the most pampered people in the world, he then doubled down and said, they had no right to defend themselves. Just shocking and it spoke volumes that obviously he could be bought and bullied contrary to Kucinich's statement when he spoke at his announcement in Boston. Kucinich left the campaign shortly thereafter - many suspect because of Bobby's staunch support. So much more can be said about his stance but I shall leave it at that.
I didn't neglect mentioning him....I have limited attention and have been focusing on Israel a lot. No time for RFK jr. , he just seems like a nut case and will just take votes away from Biden...who, in spite of his stupidity on Israel, he's better than the crazy guy.
I spent decades, when I wasn't raising humans and running a business, only paying attention to art, theater and literature so I learned nothing about politics or history.
Very good article. Well researched and well written. I have been thinking about this since last October and what I can't figure out is why Hamas did not realize that Israel knew they were going to attack. With the amount of surveillance that was going on in Gaza, Israel must have known this was being planned. And surely Hamas would have known that Israel knew. It seems that Israel might have pulled back and allowed the attack to happen so they could then retaliate by bombing everything in Gaza.
It somehow reminds me of when US govt agencies would infiltrate mosques in the US and then they would encourage a group of young men to plan an attack on something. The agents would help them plan and help them buy weapons and then arrest everybody. Except usually these young men were not very wise and were easily led. I think Hamas leaders are sharp and wise, but still it seems as if a trap was set up for them. IDK. It worries me.
Looking forward to reading more at drop site.
@valerie
arrogance plays a role here:
israeli officials knew indeed that something was going to happen some day.
they had been warned by egypt and a number of other countries/ officials.
yet, given decades of denigration, disrespect and disdain for palestinians,
the official israeli reaction to planned palestinian attacks was:
"palestinians are way too stupid to pull off any major disruptive action."
the arrogance of settler colonists.
now that their very blatant mistake is obvious and the world saw
how vulnerable israel is, despite all its assurances to the contrary,
there is the shame of having been exposed.
and shame is hard, almost unbearable to stomach.
according to too many people in high places it calls for bitter revenge.
[as to US govt agencies recruiting economically challenged,
gullible guys to carry out supposedly islamist attacks in the US,
'the intercept' made me aware of that state of affairs.]
Also happy to see plug on DN! I will also spread the news to the various academic and community justice for Palestine groups I am in.