{"id":42266,"date":"2025-10-15T19:17:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T02:17:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=42266"},"modified":"2025-10-15T19:17:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T02:17:45","slug":"gaza-israel-and-the-weight-of-history-beban-sejarah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/gaza-israel-and-the-weight-of-history-beban-sejarah\/","title":{"rendered":"Gaza, Israel, and the Weight of History [\u2026Beban Sejarah]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>What do you currently understand, and how have your assumptions and emotions been shaped?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Israel\u2013Gaza conflict is deeply rooted in decades of displacement, occupation, and competing national aspirations. My understanding is shaped by historical records, current events, and diverse perspectives, but I do not hold personal beliefs or emotions. I very much feel for the people, especially the children impacted by the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Israel\u2013Gaza conflict is a localized part of the broader Israeli\u2013Palestinian struggle, dating back to 1948, when the State of Israel was established and over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, with many settling in Gaza. [<a href=\"#_ftn1\" name=\"_ftnref1\">1]<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>How do history, displacement, and regional realities shape this conflict?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Jewish and Palestinian histories both shape deep-rooted claims to Gaza and Israel. Jews trace their connection to the land through ancient biblical ties and modern Zionism, culminating in Israel\u2019s founding in 1948.<a href=\"#_ftn2\" name=\"_ftnref2\">[2]<\/a> Palestinians, many of whom were displaced during that time, view themselves as Indigenous people dispossessed by colonial and military force. Most Gazans are descendants of refugees from areas now within Israel, living in exile within Gaza\u2014a place that became their home through displacement. Egypt has refused to resettle Gazans, citing concerns about ethnic cleansing, national security, and the erosion of Palestinian statehood.<\/p>\n<p>Egypt has refused mass resettlement for three key reasons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Egypt sees forced displacement as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law. Accepting refugees could erase the possibility of Palestinian statehood.<a href=\"#_ftn3\" name=\"_ftnref3\">[3]<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Egypt fears infiltration by militants and destabilization of the Sinai Peninsula, where it has battled insurgencies. A mass influx could strain its fragile peace with Israel.<a href=\"#_ftn4\" name=\"_ftnref4\">[4]<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Egypt already hosts over 9 million migrants and is facing economic hardship. Absorbing hundreds of thousands more would overwhelm infrastructure and provoke domestic unrest. <a href=\"#_ftn5\" name=\"_ftnref5\">[5]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What criteria are important to consider in evaluating Hamas, Israel\u2019s response, and the ethics of warfare?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>HAMAS stands for &#8220;Harakat al-Muq\u0101wamah al-\u02beIsl\u0101miyyah,&#8221; which translates to &#8220;Islamic Resistance Movement.&#8221; It is both an acronym and a word meaning &#8220;zeal&#8221; in Arabic, \u062d\u0631\u0643\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0642\u0627\u0648\u0645\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0633\u0644\u0627\u0645\u064a\u0629 (<em>Harakat al-Muq\u0101wamah al-<\/em><em>\u02be<\/em><em>Isl<\/em><em>\u0101<\/em><em>miyyah<\/em>). Founded in December 1987, during the First Intifada. Hamas was established as a Sunni Islamist nationalist organization with the goal of resisting Israeli occupation and establishing an Islamic Palestinian state. It has both a political wing, which won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, and a military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Its root merged from the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.<a href=\"#_ftn6\" name=\"_ftnref6\">[6]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gazans elected Hamas in 2006, but their ability to hold it accountable has since been severely limited by authoritarian rule, war, and blockade. While some initially supported Hamas for its social services and resistance stance, many now reject its governance and feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control. Gazans have not had the opportunity to vote Hamas out, and dissent is often suppressed. Reports show that civilians have protested against Hamas, including throwing stones and shouting insults at officials during recent humanitarian crises.<\/p>\n<p>After Israel\u2019s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas gained control, international aid surged, UNRWA expanded its services, and militant groups built extensive tunnel networks, transforming Gaza into a politically isolated, aid-dependent, and militarized enclave.<a href=\"#_ftn7\" name=\"_ftnref7\">[7]<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>How does language like \u2018genocide\u2019 and \u2018apartheid\u2019 shape public understanding\u2014and what are the risks?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Terms like \u201cgenocide\u201d and \u201capartheid\u201d carry immense legal and emotional weight. When applied to Israel\u2019s actions in Gaza, they shape global perception, fuel political polarization, and risk distorting legal standards if misused.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Genocide<\/strong> is defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention as acts committed with <em>intent to destroy<\/em>, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. This includes killing, causing serious harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions meant to destroy the group.<a href=\"#_ftn8\" name=\"_ftnref8\">[8]<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Apartheid<\/strong>, under the 1973 Apartheid Convention and the Rome Statute, refers to <em>systematic oppression and domination<\/em> by one racial group over another, with intent to maintain that regime.<a href=\"#_ftn9\" name=\"_ftnref9\">[9]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are not just rhetorical terms\u2014they are specific crimes under international law, requiring evidence of intent and systemic practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As a Christian leader, how do you reflect theologically, ethically, and vocationally on this conflict?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As a Christian leader, I begin with the conviction that every human being\u2014Israeli, Palestinian, Jew, Muslim, Christian is made in the image of God (<em>Imago Dei<\/em>). This truth demands that I resist dehumanization, mourn every loss of life, and reject narratives that justify violence or indifference. Scripture calls us to be peacemakers (<em>Matthew 5:9<\/em>), to love our enemies (<em>Luke 6:27<\/em>), and to seek justice tempered by mercy (<em>Micah 6:8<\/em>). The cross reminds me that reconciliation is costly, but possible, even in the most entrenched conflicts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Prayer for Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>God of mercy, In the midst of sorrow and conflict, make us instruments of peace. Help us see Your image in every life, speak truth with love, and lead with courage and compassion. Amen.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref1\" name=\"_ftn1\">[1]<\/a> \u201cGaza\u2013Israel Conflict,\u201d <em>Wikipedia<\/em>, last modified October 14, 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gaza%E2%80%93Israel_conflict\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gaza%E2%80%93Israel_conflict<\/a>..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref2\" name=\"_ftn2\">[2]<\/a> \u201cGaza\u2013Israel Conflict,\u201d <em>Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia<\/em>, last modified October 14, 2025, https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gaza%E2%80%93Israel_conflict..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref3\" name=\"_ftn3\">[3]<\/a> \u201cFAQs About Palestinian Refugees,\u201d Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, accessed October 15, 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/al-awdapalestine.org\/learn-more\/faqs-about-palestinian-refugees\/\">https:\/\/al-awdapalestine.org\/learn-more\/faqs-about-palestinian-refugees\/<\/a>..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref4\" name=\"_ftn4\">[4]<\/a> Erin Velez, \u201cWhy Egypt Refuses to Open Its Borders to Palestinian Refugees,\u201d <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report<\/em>, February 25, 2024, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/news\/best-countries\/articles\/2024-02-25\/why-egypt-refuses-to-open-its-borders-to-palestinian-refugees\">https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/news\/best-countries\/articles\/2024-02-25\/why-egypt-refuses-to-open-its-borders-to-palestinian-refugees<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref5\" name=\"_ftn5\">[5]<\/a> Erin Velez, \u201cWhy Egypt Refuses to Open Its Borders to Palestinian Refugees,\u201d <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report<\/em>, February 25, 2024, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/news\/best-countries\/articles\/2024-02-25\/why-egypt-refuses-to-open-its-borders-to-palestinian-refugees\">https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/news\/best-countries\/articles\/2024-02-25\/why-egypt-refuses-to-open-its-borders-to-palestinian-refugees<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref6\" name=\"_ftn6\">[6]<\/a> Martin Bunton, <em>The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction<\/em>.\u00a0 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013), 1<sup>st<\/sup> ed. 121.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref7\" name=\"_ftn7\">[7]<\/a> Mohammad Al-Kassim, \u201cGazans Tell TML \u2018Hamas Must Withdraw,\u2019\u201d <em>The Media Line<\/em>, March 27, 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/themedialine.org\/top-stories\/rare-protests-erupt-in-gaza-as-civilians-blame-hamas-for-crisis\/\">https:\/\/themedialine.org\/top-stories\/rare-protests-erupt-in-gaza-as-civilians-blame-hamas-for-crisis\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref8\" name=\"_ftn8\">[8]<\/a> United Nations General Assembly, <em>Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide<\/em>, December 9, 1948, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/genocideprevention\/documents\/Genocide%20Convention.pdf\">https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/genocideprevention\/documents\/Genocide%20Convention.pdf<\/a>..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref9\" name=\"_ftn9\">[9]<\/a> United Nations, <em>Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court<\/em>, July 17, 1998, Article 7(2)(h), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icc-cpi.int\/sites\/default\/files\/RS-Eng.pdf\">https:\/\/www.icc-cpi.int\/sites\/default\/files\/RS-Eng.pdf<\/a>..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What do you currently understand, and how have your assumptions and emotions been shaped? The Israel\u2013Gaza conflict is deeply rooted in decades of displacement, occupation, and competing national aspirations. My understanding is shaped by historical records, current events, and diverse perspectives, but I do not hold personal beliefs or emotions. I very much feel for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":198,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3487,3485,3486],"class_list":["post-42266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-milton-edwards","tag-murray","tag-sachar","cohort-dlgp03"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42266","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/198"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42266"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42266\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42268,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42266\/revisions\/42268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42266"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42266"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42266"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}