Adnan Hmidan
In the face of genocide, ethnic cleansing and a suffocating blockade, Gaza has demonstrated an extraordinary endurance that few could have anticipated. This resilience is not a chance occurrence but the outcome of the steadfastness of its people, their patience in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression, and their refusal to succumb to the occupation’s attempts to impose a new reality by force.
Over the course of 15 months of relentless bombardment and destruction, Gaza endured some of the most intense Israeli military campaigns aimed at breaking the spirit of its people.
Yet, through patience and perseverance, the people of Gaza have endured these hardships, forcing a reassessment of Israeli strategies.
As British journalist David Hearst pointed out, Israel found itself facing an unexpected reality, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failing to achieve his objectives and forced to abandon his "red lines” under internal and international
pressure.
Israel’s failure to subdue Gaza
Israel’s strategy was based on swiftly quelling any resistance and securing a military victory that would reshape Gaza’s political landscape. However, the Palestinian people have shown that their endurance is stronger than any plans devised against them. The prolonged conflict turned into a war of attrition for the Israeli army, which faced significant losses. Gaza has become more than a besieged territory; it has emerged as a symbol of resilience and the capacity to endure and challenge oppressive forces.
The endurance demonstrated by Gaza is not a fleeting occurrence but the result of its sustained resistance to attempts by the occupation to break its will. This endurance highlights that, despite immense challenges, Gaza remains steadfast, asserting its rights and forcing the occupation to reconsider its strategies. Today, Gaza stands as a global symbol of resilience in the face of injustice and aggression.
Global solidarity movement: The echo of endurance
The solidarity movement seen in Britain and around the world is a reflection of Gaza’s patience and determination to confront the occupation. The marches and demonstrations in London and other cities are a testament to the global awareness of Gaza’s plight.
This movement has played a role in exposing the occupation’s actions to the world, serving as an echo of the Palestinian people’s forbearance that has captured global attention.
What Gaza has accomplished is a testament to the endurance of the Palestinian people in the face of relentless aggression. This achievement was not merely the result of external support, but a product of Gaza’s people’s patience and resilience. It is a victory for Palestine that reignites the cause in the global conscience, countering efforts to marginalise it. Gaza has shown the world that the will of a people determined to persevere cannot be subdued, and that steadfastness in the face of injustice is a path to eventual freedom.