interview Bahrainthismonth.com July 2024 41 According to Karim, the Labour Party, which instigated this plan, now has five serving members in the Israeli Knesset today. Furthermore, he wagers that these five members are more focused on discussing climate change issues than bringing about true peace and justice to the region. Extremism has taken over the right in Israeli politics, and these far-right fundamentalists are now promoting the concept of a greater Israel well beyond its current borders. Expansionism is their aim, and compromise seems out of the question. Karim acknowledges the fact that in the last 20 years, the Israeli government has tried to make peace on occasions. He believes that all efforts have failed since the Oslo Agreement is no longer seen as a viable option. “Palestinians on the West Bank continue to have their lands and homes taken away from them. The settlers encroach on what little is left of the proposed Palestinian State via the ongoing establishment of small cantons. Unfortunately, the Israeli right-wing, led by the likes of Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, are even more extreme in ideology than Netanyahu himself, who was always against any viable peace agreement from the very beginning. It seems to me that the extreme Zionist objectives are nothing less than the total submission, humiliation and surrender of Palestinians”, he says. He continues, “When the people of Gaza, made up of generational descendants of dispersed refugees from other parts of Palestine, made it clear that they preferred to die where they were instead of leaving, the authorities agreed that transfers would be voluntary.” “The extremists have made conditions so unbearable that we are now witnessing severe shortages of food and water, resulting in misery on an unimaginable scale.” According to Karim, 60 percent of all homes were demolished, and almost 80 percent of institutions, including schools and hospitals, have been destroyed. He believes that what is happening in Gaza today is an enforced exodus aimed at squeezing them so badly that they will eventually give up. Israel is banking on the fact that these conditions will result in the voluntary departure of all Palestinians from the area. I asked Karim what his most optimistic hope was for a future resolution to this issue. He replied, “On October 7, the invincibility of Israel was called into question. And without external support, the Israelis were seen as fallible through the mirrored reflection of social media.” “Gaza has shown this,” he says, “But we want peace. The international twostate solution has been supported by us historically. The PLO has been supporting this process, but unfortunately, nothing has been implemented yet. We are willing and able to support a serious initiative in this regard.” In recent times, Palestinians face severe restrictions and repercussions for political actions, even those conducted peacefully and legally. Authorities closely monitor social media. “Over 120 Palestinian students were expelled from Israeli universities recently, including doctors and nurses, due to their political activities,” he says. Peaceful protests, even those previously permitted, are retrospectively punished. Participants from five years ago are being arrested now. This has led to widespread job losses among professionals who support Palestinian causes. “All these individuals being targeted are Israeli citizens, highlighting the conditions they face. Settlers, armed with M16 rifles and 450,000 bullets, are given free rein to attack Palestinians and their property without facing legal consequences. The military often supports these settlers, blocking humanitarian aid and enabling violence,” he states. “In conflicts, settlers can retaliate violently, often with military backing, resulting in significant destruction of Palestinian property and towns,” says Karim. “Even when settlers engage in criminal acts, such as stopping aid trucks and destroying food, they are not held accountable.” “Overall, Palestinians endure systemic harassment, violence, and legal persecution for any pro-Palestinian activities, reinforcing the severe restrictions and discrimination they face. There is no due process as is the case in the USA or Europe, for instance,” he continues. “For years, the various governments led by Benjamin Netanyahu took an approach that divided power between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank—undermining Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and thereby preventing him; or anyone else in the Palestinian Authority’s West Bank government for that matter; from advancing toward the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he concludes. The debate surrounding Younis’s status underscores the complexities of identity, justice, and reconciliation in the region. As a symbol of resilience, Karim Younis’s journey reflects the broader struggle of Palestinian prisoners. According to Israeli reports, approximately 4,700 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails and detention centers, including 150 minors and 835 administrative detainees who have not been charged or tried. Younis’s sacrifice echoes through their stories, reminding us that every prisoner represents an entire people. Similar to that of Nelson Mandela, Karim Younis’s life has been a tapestry woven with resilience, determination, and unwavering advocacy. His journey spans decades, marked by imprisonment, struggle, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As the world watches, we hope that justice will prevail, and the legacy of those who fight for a better future will endure. Karim Younis’s 40-year incarceration had profound effects on his life. The relentless confinement, isolation, and uncertainty took a toll on his physical and mental well-being. Yet, amidst the darkness, his unwavering commitment to justice and resilience sustained him. He emerged as a symbol of endurance, challenging the status quo and advocating for Palestinian rights. His story underscores the human cost of prolonged imprisonment and the urgent need for a just resolution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Karim Younis’s bracelet, bearing Nelson Mandela’s prison number (4666—while his prison number was Mandela’s reversed—6444) symbolizes shared struggles. Could it foreshadow a future where Younis emerges as a leader, advocating for justice, equality, and humanity? Karim Younis with Palestine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Taha M Qader.
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