7 nonfiction books to understand the question of Palestine

With the recent developments of the Palestine- Israel conflict, one must ask themselves how much they know about this long drawn out multifaceted struggle. Thus, we highlight seven nonfictional books that allow us to understand the history and discourse around the struggle better.

The Question of Palestine
Edward W Said
Vintage, 1992
As reflected in the title, this book seeks to answer the question of Palestine. Edward W Said attempts to address the discourse of Palestine from the perspective of colonialism and Orientalism. He argues in favour of the two-state settlement by explaining the history of the occupation and providing evidence to support each claim. From Nakba and the creation of the state of Israel to the Six-day War of 1967, Edward W Said analyses the decisions made by the West and their disastrous and direct effect on Palestine. Moreover, it emphasises how Israel and the world regard and represent Palestinians.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle 
Angela Y Davis
Haymarket Books, 2016
Angela Davis in her book reflects on the interconnected struggle for freedom and justice around the world. Despite not concentrating on Palestine explicitly, the book mentions the Palestinian fight for self-determination and its associated worldwide struggle against injustice. In the broader context, Angela Davis emphasises the significance of comprehending and supporting the Palestinian struggle as a component of the larger fight against colonialism and oppression.

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War still rages on

The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler-Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017
Rashid Khalidi
Metropolitan Books, 2020
Spanning over a century Rashid Khalidi details the historical analysis of Palestine from 1917 to 2017. He examines the effects of British, Zionist, and Israeli policies on the Palestinian population as he explores the intricate processes of settler-colonialism in Palestine. Khalidi also explores the history of Palestinian persistence and resistance to occupation and exploitation. The book delivers a thorough grasp of the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination in Palestine by tracking this murky historical period.

Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism
Harsha Walia
Haymarket Books, 2021
Through the fundamental causes of migrant displacement and the consequent monetisation of human labour, Harsha Walia investigates the international framework of border imperialism. She contends that borders are instruments of oppression and control that support prevailing power structures. The book focuses on how the establishment of boundaries and other restrictions by the Israeli state has fueled the continuous conflict and led to the displacement of Palestinians.

Hamas and Civil Society in Gaza: Engaging the Islamist Social Sector
Sara Roy
Princeton University Press, 2011
Sara Roy examines the role of Hamas in the administration of justice and the provision of social services in the Gaza Strip. She goes on to discuss Hamas' role as a reforming organisation and how Hamas has developed an extensive social sector. This has boosted Hamas's standing and influence among Palestinians. The book provides insightful information about the complicated relationships between Hamas and civil society in the context of the Palestinian Territories, especially in Gaza.

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Top reads to better understand the horrors of Palestine

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
Ilan Pappé
Oneworld Publications, 2006
This book is where Ilan Pappé examines the displacement of Palestinians from their homes during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Pappé argues that what took place in 1948 amounted to a planned and organised campaign of ethnic cleansing by Zionist troops. He backs his argument with historical context, firsthand testimonies, and in-depth research. Ilan Pappé explores this important and divisive moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's history throughout the book.

They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom
Ahed Tamimi, Dena Takruri
One World, 2022
This memoir details the life of Ahed Tamimi in an Israeli-occupied region and her participation in the Palestinian resistance organisation. For her activism, Ahed Tamimi gained notice on a global scale. She was imprisoned when she was 16 for slapping an Israeli soldier. Tamimi shares her perspective regarding the occupation, the history of resistance in her family, and her role in the fight for Palestinian rights. The biography illustrates in vivid detail the Palestinian people's determination, sacrifice, and unwavering love for their homeland.

Isra Kabir is listening to the sound of Dhaka. Reach out to her at israkabir.21@gmail.com.