Echoes of History: World leaders' perspectives on Palestinian cause

From Mahatma Gandhi to Barack Obama, here's what they said

Ismail Zaorez , Vartha Bharati | 19-10-2023 | 20:32:00 IST

Throughout history, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained a poignant and contentious issue, drawing the attention of global leaders for decades. Stretching back to the mid-20th century, the conflict has been a crucible of geopolitical tension, human suffering, and international debate. World leaders, standing as prominent figures in the arena of global politics, have, over the years, articulated their views, concerns, and proposed solutions regarding the Palestinian cause.

This detailed news report endeavors to chronicle the statements made by influential leaders throughout history. From the emergence of the State of Israel in 1948 to the present day, heads of state, diplomats, and visionaries have grappled with the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their words, often impassioned and nuanced, reflect the evolving nature of the conflict, mirroring the shifting sands of international relations and diplomacy.

Through the corridors of the United Nations, the chambers of parliaments, and international forums, leaders from diverse nations and political ideologies have left their imprint on the discourse surrounding Palestine. Their speeches have encapsulated moments of hope, frustration, empathy, and resolution, capturing the essence of a conflict that has stirred the collective conscience of humanity.

In this report, we embark on a journey through time, exploring the voices of statesmen and women who have shaped the narrative surrounding the Palestinian cause. Their words, sometimes soaring with idealism and at other times grounded in political pragmatism, provide valuable insights into the intricacies of a conflict that continues to shape the Middle East and reverberate across the globe.

In a world gripped by escalating tensions, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again taken center stage, capturing the attention of global leaders and sparking urgent international dialogue. As the longstanding dispute between Israel and Gaza reaches alarming heights, leaders from across the globe have raised their voices, expressing deep concern, urging restraint, and calling for immediate dialogue to address the critical Palestinian cause.

As the world watches with bated breath, these voices echo a resounding call for dialogue, understanding, and empathy. Join us as we navigate the statements of these world leaders, offering a comprehensive analysis of their viewpoints and the potential impact of their words on the path toward peace in one of the world's most contentious conflicts.

Mahatma Gandhi: The leader of the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi, expressed his support for the Palestinian cause during the 1930s and 1940s. He said, "Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French."

Gandhi believed that the concept of a Jewish homeland in Palestine contradicted the fight for Jewish rights worldwide. He questioned whether Jews, who had already settled in various parts of the world, would welcome the idea of being forced to leave those other regions if Palestine was their sole home.

Nelson Mandela: The anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, Mandela, expressed his solidarity with the Palestinians. He said, "We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."

During his address at the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, Pretoria in 1997, Mandela said “The temptation in our situation is to speak in muffled tones about an issue such as the right of the people of Palestine to a state of their own. We can easily be enticed to read reconciliation and fairness as meaning parity between justice and injustice. Having achieved our own freedom, we can fall into the trap of washing our hands of difficulties that others face. Yet we would be less than human if we did so.”

“Thus, in extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is at one, that the time has come for progress in the implementation of agreements. The majority of the world community; the majority of the people of the Middle East; the majority of Israelis and Palestinians are suing for peace. But we know, Mr Chairman, that all of us need to do much more to ensure that this noble ideal is realised,” he had added.

Barack Obama: The 44th President of the United States, Obama, during Jerusalem International Convention Center, Jerusalem in March 2013, expressed his support for a two-state solution, saying, "The United States has been unwavering in its support of Israel's security. Our friendship with Israel is deep and enduring. And so we believe that any lasting peace must acknowledge the very real security concerns that Israel faces every single day. But the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and justice must also be recognized."

“Put yourself in their shoes. Look at the world through their eyes. It is not fair that a Palestinian child cannot grow up in a state of their own. Living their entire lives with the presence of a foreign army that controls the movements not just of those young people but their parents, their grandparents, every single day. It’s not just when settler violence against Palestinians goes unpunished. It’s not right to prevent Palestinians from farming their lands; or restricting a student’s ability to move around the West Bank; or displace Palestinian families from their homes. Neither occupation nor expulsion is the answer. Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own land.

“I’m going off script here for a second, but before I came here, I met with a group of young Palestinians from the age of 15 to 22. And talking to them, they weren’t that different from my daughters. They weren’t that different from your daughters or sons. I honestly believe that if any Israeli parent sat down with those kids, they’d say, I want these kids to succeed; I want them to prosper. I want them to have opportunities just like my kids do. I believe that’s what Israeli parents would want for these kids if they had a chance to listen to them and talk to them. I believe that.

“Now, only you can determine what kind of democracy you will have. But remember that as you make these decisions, you will define not simply the future of your relationship with the Palestinians -- you will define the future of Israel as well,” he had stated

“As Ariel Sharon said -- I'm quoting him -- “It is impossible to have a Jewish democratic state, at the same time to control all of Eretz Israel. If we insist on fulfilling the dream in its entirety, we are liable to lose it all.” He further added.

Yasser Arafat: Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), spoke passionately about the Palestinian cause throughout his life. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 1974, stating, "I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom-fighter's gun. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand."

Arafat emphasized the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, stressing that they deserved a homeland and the ability to govern themselves independently.

While Arafat was a key figure in the Palestinian resistance movement, he also expressed openness to a peaceful resolution with Israel. He indicated a willingness to negotiate and work towards a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine could coexist side by side in peace.

Arafat often called for international support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. He sought assistance from the global community in achieving Palestinian statehood and resolving the long-standing conflict with Israel.

Arafat frequently spoke about the importance of resistance in the face of occupation. He considered armed struggle a legitimate means to achieve Palestinian rights, leading the Palestine Liberation Organization in armed conflicts against Israeli forces.

Gamal Abdel Nasser: The former President of Egypt and a key leader in the Arab world, Nasser was a strong advocate for Palestinian rights. He played a significant role in the formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 and famously said, "Our path to Palestine will not be covered with a red carpet or with yellow sand. Our path to Palestine will be covered with blood... Let there be no peace until our homeland, Palestine, is returned to us."

Anwar Sadat: The former President of Egypt, Sadat, played a significant role in the peace process between Egypt and Israel, but he also emphasized the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue. He said, "There can be no peace without justice, and there can be no justice without a solution to the Palestinian question."

King Hussein of Jordan: King Hussein was a proponent of peace in the Middle East and advocated for a two-state solution. He said, "The shortest distance between two points is peace. It's a straight line. It's achievable. We can achieve it, even with the problem of Palestine."

Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist, has been an outspoken critic of Israeli policies and a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights for many years.

Chomsky has been critical of Israeli policies, particularly concerning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the blockade of the Gaza Strip. He has argued that these actions violate international law and undermine the possibility of a just and lasting peace in the region.

Chomsky has historically supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Israel and a sovereign Palestinian state coexist peacefully side by side. He has criticized Israeli actions that, in his view, hinder the realization of this solution, such as the expansion of settlements into Palestinian territories.

Chomsky has been critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its support for Israel. He has argued that the United States' significant financial and military aid to Israel enables and sustains Israeli actions that he views as detrimental to the Palestinian cause.

Chomsky has consistently advocated for the recognition of Palestinian rights, including the right to self-determination, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. He has argued that these rights are fundamental and must be respected for a just resolution to the conflict.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.