The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evolve, particularly with the recent political developments following the election of Donald Trump as the U.S. president. Trump's return to the White House has reignited debates surrounding Palestinian resistance and Israeli settlements – issues deeply rooted in the region's history and current geopolitics. Amidst this backdrop, new sanctions proposed by France against Israeli settlers and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's shift toward reconciliation efforts illuminate the complex dynamics at play.
On November 8, 2024, during his visit to Ramallah, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced France is considering new sanctions aimed at individuals and entities involved in the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. These settlements are widely recognized by the international community as illegal under international law. Barrot stated, "This regime has been activated two times already and we’re working on a third batch of sanctions targeting these activities." This move aligns with France's commitment to a two-state solution, which aims to achieve peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Barrot's visit came as tensions escalated due to attacks carried out by Israeli settlers, including the recent arson of 20 vehicles near Ramallah, which he condemned as entirely unacceptable. He stated these violent actions weaken hopes for peace and stability. Palestinian officials voiced frustrations over the continuous aggressions of settlers, declaring the international community's silence on these issues as particularly troubling. Governor Laila Ghannam expressed hope for increased international scrutiny on these actions with Barrot's visit.
Meanwhile, back at the political stage, Trump’s victory has stirred murmurs of change among Palestinian leadership. President Mahmoud Abbas aims to forge new ties with the Biden administration, seeking to mend the turbulent relationship from his first term. Abbas reportedly wants to avoid revisiting the contentious debates surrounding Jerusalem's status or Trump's earlier peace plan, which many Palestinians rejected. Instead, he expressed interest, supported by Saudi Arabia, to shift the focus of dialogue away from conflict and toward rebuilding trust.
Despite being viewed as more moderate than other Palestinian leaders, Abbas faces criticism for continuing payments to families of Palestinians jailed or killed during confrontations with Israeli forces. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy, especially after Abbas made troubling comments last year about the Holocaust, which sparked outrage globally.
Looking beyond the government’s efforts for diplomatic resolution, grassroots movements are also shaping the narrative surrounding Palestinian resistance. Events like the London Palestine Film Festival (LPFF) provide platforms for cultural expression amid conflict. Set to occur from November 15 to 29, 2024, this year's LPFF aligns with the first anniversary of Israel's devastating war on Gaza. Khaled Ziada, the festival's founder, highlighted the urgency of showcasing Palestinian stories at this time, stating, "It is not easy to find films about what's happening in Gaza now due to the war. But we are committed to sharing these narratives." The festival will feature 18 events across various venues, featuring compelling productions reflecting Palestinian realities.
Attending the festival will be significant recognition of the losses faced, particularly among the arts community, where the war has claimed many lives and destroyed cultural landmarks. Despite the limitations on contemporary productions from Gaza due to the current military conflicts, the LPFF will instead highlight previously made films and innovate performances, like the opening night’s presentation by actress Sarah Agha, focusing on real-life testimonies from Gaza.
With the artistic community unable to travel freely to portray the impact of the current situation, acknowledged by Khaled’s comments, this festival will play a pivotal role in resisting the narrative imposed by violence, serving as a form of cultural resilience. Films showcasing Palestinian diaspora experiences highlight how communities navigate life under long-term occupation and displacement. Documentaries and narratives explore themes of survival, identity, and hope.
The geopolitical chessboard is continually shifting. Trump's return potentially signals more aggressive policies toward Palestinians and less international scrutiny of Israeli expansionist policies. For many on the ground in both Israel and Palestine, hopes for transition and negotiation hang on fragile threads. The actions of foreign ministers like Barrot symbolize one sliver of international response, striving to expose human rights violations, whilst cultural expressions continue to provide alternative narratives to the mainstream Philistine experience.
While the international community wrestles with the effectiveness of sanctions and diplomatic efforts, festivals like the LPFF highlight the voices and stories critically shaping Palestinian identity today. Amidst the uncertainty and turmoil, the resilience expressed through art becomes more than mere survival; it reflects the continuing struggle for recognition, rights, and dignity.
