Opinion: Gaza war has exposed hollow nature of Palestinian citizenship of Israel

More than eight months into Israel’s genocide in Gaza, a defining moment for Palestinian people the world over, it is important to examine the specific situation of Palestinian citizens of Israel.

Living under the control of Israeli institutions and in close proximity to the Israeli public, many of whom support the devastating war on Gaza, these Palestinians will play a crucial role in the liberation struggle in the years ahead.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Israeli security discourse has long focused on five fronts: Gaza to the south, Lebanon to the north, the occupied West Bank and Iran to the east, and finally, Palestinian citizens within Israel.

The 7 October Hamas attack appeared to catch Israel unprepared, leading to escalation in Gaza and, soon afterwards, in Lebanon. As the Israeli army fights battles on those two fronts, Palestinian citizens of Israel face unprecedented political persecution, including arrests, disciplinary actions at school and work, and physical assaults. 

READ MORE: Gaza war has exposed hollow nature of Palestinian citizenship of Israel, opinion by Abed Abou Shhadeh