‘Israel-Palestine War: Give Peace a Chance’, is a deeply researched and nuanced book on the ongoing Israel-Palestine discord by army veteran Dr Joseph K Thomas, offers a comprehensive analysis of one of the most complex and the oldest conflicts still affecting the world.
The book provides a comprehensive overview, from the Balfour Declaration to the dramatic events of the October 2023 invasion, presenting a layered portrait of how this is impacting the world right from the diplomatic impasse to the environment, economic and health crisis it brings with it.
Peering into the future, the book probes prospects for peace, drawing insights from historical endeavours and offering a roadmap for reconciliation in this deeply fractured region. This is the time to rewrite history, to heal the wounds of the past, and to build a legacy of peace.
Dr Joseph K. Thomas has played many roles in his life: an army veteran, a corporate leader, an educationist, and a social entrepreneur. He is a soldier by choice, an engineer by profession, an educationist by passion, and an author by accident. He is a man with a humble beginning; his journey from the war room to the board room and then to the classroom has been an illustrious one.
Dr Joseph brings different experiences and expertise from multiple domains, starting with the military, multinational companies, educational evangelism, and social entrepreneurship. He is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including six national awards and five international awards, for his service and contribution to the fields of education and philanthropy. He serves on multiple not-for-profit boards.
Dr Joseph’s first book, ‘India: The Next Superpower’; his second book, ‘Conman: In Chief of Capitol Coup’; his third book, ‘India’s New National Education Policy: 2020’; his fourth book, ‘Taliban 20’ and fifth book, ‘Russia – Ukraine War’ are Amazon’s #1 Best-selling Books.
To know more about Dr Joseph’s new release, and understand the unvisited layers of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, Sonakshi Datta of GoaChronicle asked Dr Joseph some questions.
How do you see the genesis of the Israel-Palestine conflict?
The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of history, religion, and geopolitics, a story that spans centuries and has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the world. To truly comprehend the origins of this conflict, we must cast our gaze back to the dawn of the 20th century, when the winds of change swept across the world, and the embers of nationalism were fanned into an inferno that would reshape the very fabric of the Middle East.
It was during this tumultuous period that the seeds of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict were sown, as the Zionist movement, driven by a desire to establish a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine, gained traction among the Jewish diaspora scattered across the globe. It was during the latter half of the 19th century that the Zionist movement began to take root, fuelled by a longing for a safe haven in the face of rising anti-Semitism in Europe, and a deep-seated connection to the land that had once been the cradle of ancient Jewish kingdoms.
The Balfour Declaration of 1917, a historic statement issued by the British government, recognized the Jewish people’s right to establish a national homeland in Palestine, setting the stage for a momentous shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region. However, this declaration, while celebrated by the Zionist movement, was viewed with trepidation by the Arab inhabitants of Palestine, who feared the displacement and dispossession that would inevitably accompany the influx of Jewish settlers. The end of World War II and the revelation of the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust lent a renewed sense of urgency to the Zionist cause, as the world bore witness to the depths of human cruelty and the desperate need for a safe haven for the Jewish people.
In 1948, the State of Israel was established, a momentous event that was greeted with jubilation by the Jewish population, but one that also marked the beginning of a bitter and protracted conflict with the Arab inhabitants of the region. In the decades that followed, the conflict took on a cyclical nature, with periods of violence and unrest punctuated by fragile attempts at diplomacy and peace negotiations. The Six-Day War of 1967, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, and the ongoing cycles of violence and retaliation have only served to deepen the divisions and harden the resolve of both sides, each clinging to their respective narratives of victimhood and their uncompromising claims to the land.
The Oslo Accords of the 1990s, while ultimately faltering, demonstrated that progress is possible when both sides are willing to make painful concessions and embrace the principles of compromise and coexistence.
In the end, my friends, the genesis of the Israel-Palestine conflict is a tale of conflicting narratives, of competing claims to the same land, and of the age-old clash between the forces of nationalism and the yearning for self-determination.
What do you think are the layers of this conflict which are being overlooked by many?
As we delve into the intricate and multifaceted layers of the Israel-Palestine conflict, it becomes evident that many perspectives and nuances are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream discourse.
One layer that is often obscured from view is the profound impact of this conflict on the daily lives of ordinary Palestinians and Israelis. The trauma of displacement, the anguish of loss, and the constant fear of violence permeate the daily realities of millions, shaping their world-views, aspirations, and very identities. The echoes of past atrocities and injustices reverberate through the collective psyche of both communities, fuelling mistrust, resentment, and a deep-seated sense of victimhood.
Another layer that deserves greater attention is the diversity of perspectives within each community. From secular to religious, from liberal to conservative, from those advocating for peace and coexistence to those espousing more hardline stances, the spectrum of opinions and beliefs within each group is vast and deserves to be heard.
The Palestinian diaspora, scattered across the globe, carries with it a deep sense of longing for a homeland and a burning desire for justice and self-determination. Conversely, the Jewish diaspora, with its own historical traumas and aspirations, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Zionist movement and the establishment of the State of Israel. The role of regional powers, the influence of global actors, and the complex interplay of economic, political, and strategic interests all contribute to the intractability of this issue.
Apart from the human toll the conflict is taking, what are the other ramifications of the war we should talk more about?
As we grapple with the human toll exacted by the Israel-Palestine conflict, a toll measured in lives lost, dreams shattered, and spirits broken, it is imperative that we also cast our discerning gaze upon the myriad ramifications that ripple outward, extending far beyond the boundaries of this ancient land.
At the core of this conflict lies a struggle for sovereignty, self-determination, and control over resources – a struggle that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and reverberated across the global stage.
The economic reverberations of this protracted conflict have also been far-reaching and profound. The diversion of resources towards military expenditures, the disruption of trade and economic cooperation, and the climate of instability have all served to stifle the economic potential of the region, hampering development and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Furthermore, the environmental toll of this conflict cannot be overlooked. The degradation of natural resources, the depletion of water sources, and the contamination of land and air have not only jeopardized the fragile ecosystems of the region but also threatened the long-term sustainability of human habitation.
Perhaps most insidious of all are the cultural and psychological ramifications of this conflict. It is a future worth fighting for, a future that demands our collective resolve, our empathy, and our unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of creed, nationality, or circumstance.
How possible, do you think, is truce between Israel and Palestine, and hence, peace?
The question before us, one that has vexed generations of scholars, diplomats, and policymakers, cuts to the very heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict. At the core of this conflict lies the fundamental issue of land and sovereignty – a clash of competing narratives, each rooted in a profound sense of historical injustice and a deep yearning for self-determination.
On one side stands the State of Israel, born from the ashes of the Holocaust and the age-old dream of a Jewish homeland, a bastion of security and refuge amidst a world that has too often turned its back on the Jewish people. On the other side stands the Palestinian people, a nation dispossessed, their ancestral lands fractured by the very establishment of the Israeli state, their aspirations for statehood and self-governance thwarted by the vicissitudes of history and the realpolitik of the region.
The path to peace, then, must navigate this treacherous terrain, this minefield of conflicting claims and deep-seated grievances. It is a path that has been trodden by many, from the architects of the Oslo Accords to the proponents of the two-state solution, each endeavour a valiant attempt to forge a lasting compromise, a delicate balance between the inviolable rights of both peoples to self-determination and the imperative of regional stability.
It is a daunting task, one that will test the resolve and commitment of all stakeholders, from the leaders of Israel and Palestine to the international community, from civil society organisations to the global citizenry. It is a task that we must embrace with unwavering determination, for the alternative – a future defined by perpetual conflict, by the perpetuation of cycles of violence and retribution – is one that we cannot, in good conscience, bequeath to future generations.
What kind of a role do you think the media is playing in shaping paradigms of people who are watching the conflict from afar?
As we continue our exploration of the intractable Israel-Palestine conflict, in an age where information flows freely across borders and the global village has become a reality, the media in all its multifarious forms has emerged as a potent force, wielding the power to shape narratives, influence public opinion, and, in many ways, determine the very lens through which we view and interpret this complex and emotionally charged conflict.
The media, in its traditional forms of print, broadcast, and digital platforms, serves as both a conduit of information and a curator of perspectives. It is a double-edged sword, capable of illuminating the nuances and complexities of the conflict, yet also prone to oversimplification, sensationalism, and the perpetuation of entrenched biases and prejudices.
At its best, the media can serve as a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and cross-cultural dialogue. Through the work of intrepid journalists, documentarians, and storytellers, we are granted unprecedented access to the lived experiences of those caught in the crosshairs of this conflict, their stories of resilience, loss, and hope laid bare for all to witness. Moreover, the media landscape, fractured and fragmented by the rise of social media and the proliferation of alternative news sources, has become a breeding ground for misinformation, disinformation, and the amplification of extremist voices.
For it is only through a media ecosystem that is truly free, independent, and committed to the unwavering pursuit of truth that we can begin to shape a new paradigm, one that transcends the boundaries of nationalism and ideology, and that paves the way for a future defined by understanding, reconciliation, and the shared aspirations of all peoples for justice, dignity, and lasting peace.
What do you think was the chink in the armour of Israel’s defense forces which led to the October 7 invasion?
The October 7, 2023 invasion of Israel by Hamas forces has undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the geopolitical landscape, leaving many to ponder the vulnerabilities that allowed such a brazen incursion to transpire. As an astute observer of global affairs, I must confess that the events of that fateful day caught even the most seasoned analysts off guard, compelling us to scrutinise the intricacies that might have contributed to this unprecedented breach.
At the outset, it is imperative to acknowledge the formidable reputation of Israel’s defense forces, honed through decades of unwavering vigilance and hard-won victories against adversaries far and wide. However, the very strength that has safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty may have inadvertently sown the seeds of complacency, allowing a chink to emerge in the seemingly impregnable armor.
One possible factor that merits rigorous examination is the evolving nature of asymmetric warfare and the challenges it poses to conventional military strategies. Hamas, a non-state actor with a deep-rooted ideology and a penchant for unconventional tactics, has long posed a formidable threat to Israel’s security. Yet, the invasion on October 7th unveiled a startling level of strategic planning and execution that may have caught Israel’s defense establishment off guard.
Another aspect that warrants scrutiny is the role of intelligence gathering and analysis. The ability to anticipate and preempt threats is paramount in modern warfare, and any lapse in this domain could have severe repercussions. It is conceivable that gaps in intelligence gathering, coupled with inadequate analysis or a failure to heed warning signs, may have contributed to the breach in Israel’s defences.
Lastly, we must consider the human element – the psychological and emotional toll that constant vigilance exacts on even the most disciplined and well-trained forces. The relentless pressure of defending against an implacable foe, combined with the strain of maintaining a heightened state of alertness, can erode the resilience and focus of even the most formidable military forces. It is possible that such factors may have played a role in creating vulnerabilities that Hamas exploited with surgical precision.
By examining the multifaceted dimensions of this crisis, we can not only unravel the mysteries surrounding the October 7th invasion but also glean invaluable lessons that will shape the future of Israel’s security posture and the broader regional dynamics.
What role do you think the locals of Palestine play in this conflict? How correct would it be to only look at Hamas and not talk about the locals’ support to the terrorist group?
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the core of this discourse lies the question of the role played by the Palestinian people themselves. To view this conflict solely through the prism of Hamas and its militant agenda would be a grave disservice to the multifaceted nature of Palestinian society and the inextricable link between the people and the struggle for self-determination.
The Palestinian people, as a collective entity, are not mere bystanders in this saga; they are the very heart and soul of a conflict that has defined their existence for generations. Their support for various factions, including Hamas, is not a monolithic phenomenon but rather a reflection of the complex interplay of factors that shape their political allegiances, socioeconomic realities, and aspirations for the future.
In this crucible of frustration and disillusionment, Hamas has positioned itself as a defiant voice of resistance, promising retribution against Israeli occupation and a steadfast refusal to compromise on core Palestinian demands. By tapping into the deep wells of grievance and injustice that resonate with many Palestinians, Hamas has cultivated a base of support that extends beyond its militant core, resonating with those who have grown weary of the perceived failures of diplomacy and the inertia of the peace process.
In the impoverished and besieged Gaza Strip, for instance, where poverty, unemployment, and a profound lack of economic opportunity have become endemic, Hamas has skillfully positioned itself as a provider of social services and a bulwark against the hardships of daily life. Through its vast network of schools, clinics, and charitable organizations, the group has cultivated a narrative of resilience and resistance, enmeshing itself within the very fabric of Gazan society.
For many young Palestinians, disillusioned by the perceived failures of the past and the dwindling prospects for a negotiated settlement, Hamas’s defiant rhetoric and militant posture hold a seductive allure. This is a generation that has known nothing but occupation, checkpoints, and the seemingly unending cycle of violence. Not all Palestinians who harbor sympathies for Hamas necessarily endorse its militant tactics or its uncompromising stance towards Israel. For many, the support is born of a sense of desperation, a belief that Hamas represents the only viable bulwark against the erosion of their rights and the inexorable march of Israeli settlements and occupation.
Indeed, any meaningful effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must acknowledge and engage with the multifaceted voices and narratives that shape Palestinian society. To view this conflict solely through the lens of Hamas is to perpetuate a dangerous oversimplification, marginalization, and the yearning for dignity and self-determination that underpin Palestinian support for various factions.
Only then can we truly begin to heal the wounds of the past and forge a future where the legitimate rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in a just and lasting peace.
