From the European South

a transdisciplinary journal of postcolonial humanities

Israel/Palestine/Covid-19: one more weapon in the siege?

Patrick Williams

Abstract

The seemingly endless conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is typically seen as structured around or based on struggles over land, sovereignty and identity (national or religious). The extent to which health is an issue – particularly a consistent, deliberate, even central element in the aggression, rather than a random or unfortunate by-product of the larger struggle – is less readily recognised. This article will briefly examine some of the principal health issues created by the conflict before addressing
the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for the Palestinians, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israeli siege of Gaza. Finally, the works of the poet Mahmoud Darwish are analysed to see how Palestinians respond culturally to such a situation and how they attempt to stay hopeful in times of affliction.

Keywords

Covid-19, Israel, Palestine, prison, siege, Mahmoud Darwish

Pages

35-45

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