In the landscape of the Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has sparked debates over its meaning and intent, with majority of the critiscism coming from supporters of a Zionist Israel.
Contrary to sinister interpretations that associate it with hostility, a majority perspective sees this slogan as a message of peace, freedom for oppressed Palestinians, and a vision for a liberated Palestine without occupation.
Supporters of a free-Palestine argue that the phrase encapsulates the desire for a unified, independent Palestinian state, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, a truth that once existed 100 years ago and is no longer the case.
They emphasize that this vision is not inherently antagonistic towards the existence of Israel. Instead, it is framed as a call for justice, equality, and the end of the occupation that has impacted Palestinian lives for decades.
Supporters of this interpretation clearly state that the slogan envisions a future where Palestinians can exercise their right to self-determination and live in a sovereign state free from external control.
They see it as a plea for the dismantling of barriers that have impeded Palestinian autonomy, fostering an environment where Palestinians can live peacefully, without being attacked, raided or humiliated by groups of gun-laden soldiers.
Critics, who are often on the side of the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, tend to point to the slogan’s ambiguity, accusing it of being about potential calls for the elimination of Israel.
However, proponents assert that a closer examination of the context and intent behind the phrase reveals a longing for a just resolution to the conflict—one that respects the rights and dignity of Palestinians, just as much as the Israelis.
As tensions persist in the region, some argue that understanding the slogan in this light could pave the way for constructive dialogue and negotiations.
By framing it as a call for peace and freedom, advocates hope to shift the narrative, which often shows Palestinians as the wrongdoers.
It’s important to remember that war crimes committed by Israel have garnered international attention and concern across the last decade.
Human rights experts have raised serious concerns, citing incidents that are in violation of international humanitarian law.
Among the allegations are the disproportionate use of force during military operations, resulting in civilian casualties; the targeting of civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals; the establishment and expansion of settlements in the occupied territories, deemed illegal under international law; and the use of restrictive measures that impact the daily lives of Palestinians, including blockades and curfews.
These are only some of the claims, and they have led to calls for independent investigations to assess the legality of these actions and to ensure accountability for any potential violations of human rights and international law.
While the interpretation of political slogans is inherently subjective, ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’, is by no means a call for the ‘elimination of Israel’, or a ‘genocidal call’, but is rather a call for a cruel-free lifestyle for millions of indigenous Palestinians who are treated inhumanely by occupiers on their own lands.