Financial Times: 'Israel-Backed Militia' Code for 'Gazan Collaborator'
The Financial Times headline, 'Israel-backed Gaza militia leader killed in armed clash,' subtly frames a classic colonial tactic. 'Israel-backed' isn't a badge of local authority; it's a direct reference to operatives paid and armed by an occupying power to manage the occupied populace. This isn't local governance; it's subcontracted control, mirroring historical patterns from every modern
occupation playbook. Remember the 'Village Associations' Israel tried to install in the West Bank in the 1970s and 80s? The outcome was predictably disastrous for the 'leaders' and the communities they purported to serve, often seen as quislings. One might wonder at the timing of this new 'local force' initiative, just as international pressure mounts on Israel regarding Gaza's post-war
administration. Conveniently, the media focuses on an 'armed clash' rather than the fundamental questions of legitimacy for any group created and supported by an occupying military. How many times will we see this rerun where 'local partners' are introduced, only to facilitate continued foreign dominance, before the press calls it what it is?