France 24 'Discovers' Palestinians Want a Say in Palestine's Future
In news that will shock absolutely no one with a passing familiarity with history, France 24 highlights a 'strategist' positing that 'Palestinians will have to have a say' in their own future. One might wonder if this strategist also believes water is wet. This radical concept flies in the face of continued US policy, which, as evidenced by consistent vetoes at the UN Security Council (e.g.,
resolutions calling for a ceasefire or condemning settlements), appears content allowing others to decide for them. This 'say' has been systematically denied since 1948, through displacement, occupation, and the construction of settlements deemed illegal under international law. The 'strategist' seems to be hinting that perhaps the people enduring generations of dispossession know a thing or two
about what they want. What a novel concept. While media outlets applaud this newfound 'consideration,' actual Palestinian self-determination remains a rhetorical flourish rather than a policy objective for many global powers. How many more decades of displacement and blockades will it take before their 'say' transitions from a strategic consideration to an inalienable right? Or is 'having a say'
still just code for electing leaders acceptable to everyone but them?