Israel's lethal weapons might have changed the landscape of Gaza and Palestine, but the will of Gazans and Palestinians is what shaped the landscape of Palestine's history. This composition of farmers, prisoners, refugees and numerous other manifestations and characters of the oppressed are resilient individuals. It is essential that we understand the complexity of the past and the present to evolve in our understanding of the conflict, not merely to appreciate its involvement, but also to contribute positively to its resolution.
The Palestinian narrative has long either denied any meaningful access to the media or tainted through the very circles that propped up and sanctified Israel's image as an oasis of democracy and a pivot of civilization.
In recent years, however, things began to change thanks to developments such as the Internet and various global civil society movements. Although it has yet to reach a critical mass or affect a major paradigm shift in public opinion, these voices have been able to impose a long-neglected story that has been seen mostly through Israeli eyes.
The fact is Palestinians are neither potential "martyrs" nor potential "terrorists." They are people who are being denied basic human rights, who have been dispossessed from their lands and are grievously mistreated. They have resisted for over six decades and they will continue to resist until they acquire their fundamental human rights.
This is the core of the Palestinian narrative; yet, it is the least told story. A true understanding would require a greater exposure of the extraordinary, collective narrative of the "ordinary people."
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