Hanane Djoua
Doha
Secretary-General of the National Initiative Movement (NIM) Dr Mustafa Barghouti has expressed gratitude to Qatar for its unwavering support for Palestinians and the Palestinian cause.
He said, "We feel in Qatar as if we are in our own country, and we deeply appreciate Qatar’s steadfast stance against the pressures we know are being exerted in this region.”
Speaking at seminar organised by the Qatar Press Center, Dr Barghouti provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the Palestinian cause, highlighting critical issues stemming from historical struggles and recent developments, particularly in the context of policies during and after the Trump administration.
Describing the Israeli government as fascist and aggressively Zionist, Dr Barghouti emphasised its hostility toward Palestinians and the Arab world.
He criticised the government’s proposals for the full reoccupation of Gaza and ongoing ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, labeling these actions as genocide and attempts to eradicate the Palestinian cause entirely.
He pointed to alarming statistics that over 160,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed or injured this year alone, representing over seven percent of Gaza’s population, and 86,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped on the region.
Trump’s Legacy, Implications
Reflecting on Trump’s administration, Dr Barghouti noted the influence of evangelical extremists surrounding the former US president.
He labeled Trump’s "Deal of the Century” a deception aimed at annexing Jerusalem and settlements to Israel, while reducing a Palestinian state to fragmented territories lacking control over water, borders, or airspace.
He argued that this vision has evolved further under current discussions, with the complete annexation of the West Bank now on the table, effectively nullifying the possibility of a Palestinian state.
The normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab countries have, according to Dr Barghouti, been used historically to diminish the Palestinian cause and may continue to serve that purpose.
Europe’s Weak Response
Highlighting the inconsistencies in European policies, Dr Barghouti distinguished between supportive nations like Spain, Ireland, and Norway, and those like Germany and France, which he holds most accountable for failing to address Israeli aggression effectively.
He lamented that the lack of a unified Palestinian leadership and ongoing internal divisions remain significant barriers to effectively resisting these challenges.
The Necessity of Resistance
Dr Barghouti stressed that resistance is the only option for Palestinians, urging unity among all factions and a stronger front with Arab nations willing to stand by Palestine.
Dr Barghouti criticised the Biden administration for continuing Trump-era policies, including failing to reopen the US Consulate in Jerusalem or the Palestinian embassy in Washington. During the ongoing conflict, the US has provided unequivocal support to Israel, further complicating prospects for peace.
The Existential Struggle
Describing the current situation as "an existential war for the Palestinian people — a war of to be or not to be”, Dr Barghouti noted that this is the most dangerous conflict since 1948, highlighting the violence faced in both Gaza and the West Bank, including settler attacks protected by the Israeli military.
Dr Barghouti underscored the importance of remaining steadfast in Palestine, stating, "We will not allow forced or voluntary displacement, nor will we permit a repeat of what happened in 1948. If we stay in Palestine, Palestinian resistance will persist.”
The Path Forward
Dr Barghouti emphasised the urgency of unity among Palestinians and building alliances with the Arab world. He argued that resistance and strategic efforts could pressure international actors to reconsider their positions. "The Palestinian people are resilient and courageous and will resist with all their might,” he said, reaffirming his belief in the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.