HAMAS AND THE PALESTINIAN STRUGGLE

MY CALL TO ACTION

Hamas and the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people are issues that I cannot ignore, even as a production engineer with a background in product design. While this might seem unrelated to my field, the injustices being faced by Palestinians are too urgent and too personal to stay silent about. The way Hamas is portrayed in Western media and the lack of attention to the suffering in Gaza demand action. I feel a responsibility to use my voice, my platform, to call out the manipulation and demand justice.

WHY HAMAS ATTACKED ISRAEL

EXPOSING THE WESTERN NARRATIVE

Why Hamas attacked Israel is not a question of black and white, despite how the Western media often tries to paint it. The narrative pushed by many outlets frames the conflict in terms of “us vs. them,” manipulating the debate to present Hamas solely as a violent group. However, the deeper story and many important facts are left out, and even our own politicians stay silent on these injustices.

HAMAS HISTORY AND WESTERN FRAMING

The history of Hamas is often simplified or twisted in mainstream Western coverage. Founded during the First Intifada in 1987, Hamas arose as a response to Israeli occupation. For many in the Palestinian and Muslim world, Hamas represents legitimate resistance to decades of occupation and oppression. However, Western narratives frequently focus only on their militant actions, ignoring the broader context of occupation and the historical struggle for Palestinian freedom.

The Western media often defines Hamas in narrow terms, highlighting only the violence while ignoring the root causes. Hamas fighters are Palestinians defending their land, their people, and their right to exist. But this isn’t the narrative you’ll see in most headlines. Instead, the Western media and political establishment turn a blind eye to the historical injustices, presenting a biased narrative that ignores Israel’s role in the ongoing violence.

ARE HAMAS FIGHTERS PALESTINIANS?

The fact that Hamas fighters are Palestinians fighting for their freedom and land is often overlooked or downplayed in Western discussions. While some Palestinians align with Hamas’ approach, not all do. However, the broader point is clear: Hamas emerged out of a legitimate struggle against Israeli occupation. Yet, in the eyes of much of the Western world, only one side of the story is emphasized—Israel’s narrative of defence, ignoring the very real experiences of Palestinians living under occupation.

WHY HAMAS ATTACKED ISRAEL: WHAT THEY WON’T TELL YOU

The reasons why Hamas attacks Israel are rarely discussed fully in Western media. The narrative doesn’t include the years of blockades, settlements, and military violence that have oppressed Palestinians. When Hamas retaliates, it’s portrayed as aggression, while the root cause—the occupation—is seldom mentioned. Western politicians are quick to condemn Hamas, but where are these voices when Israel bombs civilians in Gaza or continues its illegal settlements in the West Bank?

Here’s where it becomes even more hypocritical: Look at how the world reacts to the war in Ukraine. Politicians, media, and organizations all condemn the violence, stand with the Ukrainian people, and send aid. Of course, war is awful everywhere—but why is the same support not extended to the people of Gaza? The Palestinian struggle is ignored, and Western leaders remain silent. The double standard is glaring, and it raises the question: Why is one war treated as a global emergency while the other is ignored?

HAMAS FIGHTERS AND PALESTINIAN RESISTANCE

Hamas fighters are Palestinians defending their homeland, but in the Western media, they’re often branded simply as terrorists. This one-sided narrative ignores the fact that international law grants people under occupation the right to resist. In the case of Hamas, this resistance takes the form of armed struggle against Israeli forces. To Palestinians, this is part of a larger fight for liberation, yet Western outlets continue to frame it solely as unjustified violence.

The reality of Israeli military actions is often hidden or glossed over. Reports of Israeli soldiers using Palestinians as human shields, bombing civilian areas, and committing war crimes rarely get the same attention as Hamas’ actions. When civilians in Gaza are killed, the world looks away. But when Israel acts in “self-defense,” it’s immediately supported by global powers.

CONCLUSION: THE WESTERN DOUBLE STANDARD

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex, but the way it’s presented in the West is dangerously skewed. While Hamas’s history is tied to resistance against occupation, the Western media focuses almost exclusively on its violent tactics, ignoring the decades of oppression that led to its rise. The same politicians who stand firmly with Ukraine in the face of invasion remain silent on the human rights abuses happening in Gaza.

War is war, and it’s ugly everywhere. But the double standards are impossible to ignore. If we’re going to condemn violence, we must condemn it on all sides, and that includes holding Israel accountable for its actions. The situation in Ukraine and Gaza may be different in many ways, but the core issue—occupation and resistance—deserves equal attention. The Western media and political leaders must stop using the “us vs. them” rhetoric and recognize the humanity of both Palestinians and Israelis. Only then can we have a meaningful dialogue about justice, peace, and freedom.

METTE FREDERIKSEN’S POSITION

MY CALL TO SPEAK OUT

As an engineer and fashion designer, I find myself increasingly disturbed by the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people—a tragedy that unfolds before our very eyes yet is often ignored or minimized. What troubles me even more is the silence of world leaders, including our own Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. Her lack of clear action and the failure to address the injustices in Gaza and Palestinian territories only deepen the sense of frustration and injustice.

In this post, I’m stepping forward to confront the reality of the Palestinian struggle: the forced displacement, the systematic oppression, and the erasure of their rights. These are not distant political issues—they are human issues that provoke me deeply, challenging my beliefs and urging me to speak out.

THE SPOTLIGHT ON INCONSISTENCIES

A closer look at Mette Frederiksen’s recent actions reveals troubling inconsistencies, particularly in her response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While world leaders rally against wars in other regions, the suffering in Gaza is met with silence. This double standard in international response, especially concerning Hamas and the broader Palestinian population, cannot go unchallenged.

THE IMPACT ON DANISH DISCOURSE

Frederiksen’s approach impacts not only Denmark’s foreign policy but also shapes the nation’s internal dialogue. Her reluctance to fully acknowledge the Palestinian struggle raises questions about Denmark’s commitment to justice, equality, and human rights for all. It forces us to ask: Are we truly committed to a fair and balanced perspective? Or are we only vocal when it aligns with certain global powers?

UNDERSTANDING THE HAMAS-ISRAEL CONFLICT: UNPACKING THE BASICS

In the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics, Hamas and Israel are central players in a narrative that is often misunderstood, particularly in countries like Denmark. This section aims to clarify the key issues, correct common misconceptions, and provide a deeper understanding of why Hamas attacked Israel and the broader conflict.

THE ROLE OF HASBARA IN SHAPING PERCEPTIONS

A critical factor in how the Hamas-Israel conflict is framed globally is through Israel’s Hasbara technique, which plays a pivotal role in influencing public perception. Hasbara, which means “explanation” in Hebrew, is Israel’s strategic way of promoting its image internationally, particularly through media, social media, and educational programs. The goal is to present a positive view of Israel and counter negative narratives, especially those surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Hasbara is seen by some as necessary for balancing the narrative, others argue it serves as propaganda that overlooks the complexities and realities on the ground. This raises important questions about the fine line between information and influence, and how such techniques can distort the truth, making an unbiased perspective even harder to achieve.

PRIME MINISTER METTE FREDERIKSEN’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE CONFLICT

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has been criticized for presenting a one-sided view of the Hamas-Israel conflict, often neglecting the root causes. Her stance seems to lack a comprehensive understanding of the deep historical context, which is essential for fair judgment. By focusing primarily on Israel’s right to defend itself, her approach misses the broader picture of occupation and Palestinian resistance, which plays a crucial role in the ongoing violence.

SEEKING THE TRUTH BEYOND MEDIA NARRATIVES

Challenging the oversimplified narratives pushed by both media and political figures is crucial for developing a balanced understanding of the Hamas-Israel conflict. This includes looking deeper into the roles of both Hamas and Israel, and understanding the historical context often glossed over in mainstream stories.

By critically examining the narratives—especially those presented by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen—and encouraging deeper investigation into the root causes of the conflict, this article aims to promote a more informed and empathetic dialogue. Understanding the complexities of the situation is essential for achieving a fair and balanced perspective that goes beyond one-dimensional portrayals.

Through this approach, we can begin to uncover the human realities behind the political actions and media representations, ultimately paving the way for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the Hamas-Israel conflict.

THE ISRAEL PROJECT’S 2009 GLOBAL LANGUAGE DICTIONARY

A DANGEROUS WEAPON IN NARRATIVE WARFARE

As a pivotal element of Israel’s hasbara efforts, the dictionary is strategically designed to manipulate global public opinion and narrative. It uses carefully chosen language to present Israel’s actions and policies in a defensively positive light, justifying its stance through a lens of peace and self-defense.

ACCESS AND STRATEGIC MANIPULATION

Available online as a PDF, this guide offers precise advice to supporters of Israel on how to navigate discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It advocates for the use of specific wording that subtly shifts perceptions, aiming to cast Israel as a peace-loving and democratic entity amidst a backdrop of conflict.

HASBARA: SHAPING OPINIONS THROUGH LANGUAGE

The Israel Project’s 2009 Global Language Dictionary embodies a critical tool in narrative warfare, aimed at bolstering support for Israel. By detailing how to discuss the conflict effectively, it positions itself as more than just a guide—it’s a powerful weapon in the battle for hearts and minds. While it has been lauded by some for its strategic approach to public relations, it faces criticism for oversimplifying complex issues and guiding the discourse in a singular, pro-Israel direction.

BRIDGING DIVIDES IN AN INFORMATION WAR

The Clash of Narratives

In my journey as a designer, I’ve observed a troubling information war that pits the West against the East, and Muslim communities against non-Muslim ones. This polarization, driven by conflicting narratives, is a reality I firmly reject.

The Danish Political Scene

The discourse in Denmark, particularly with the stance of Dansk Folkeparti, underscores a growing divide. Their approach, which I view as increasingly extreme, highlights the urgent need for balanced dialogue and understanding.

USING DESIGN FOR DIALOGUE

Design as a Bridge

Holding a unique vantage point that spans both Western and Eastern perspectives, I’m positioned to navigate this complex landscape. My goal is to use design to facilitate understanding, transcending barriers with creativity.

Beyond Taking Sides

It’s crucial to move past the binary of choosing sides. My advocacy is for nuance and a collective move towards peace, leveraging design as a tool for unity in a world marked by division.

Through this approach, I aspire to contribute to a more harmonious discourse, where diverse perspectives are not sources of conflict but opportunities for deeper understanding. My role as a designer extends beyond aesthetics, embodying the responsibility to foster dialogue and bridge the divides that define our times.