Resisting Tyranny: A Fundamental Human Right

by Stephen Lendman

It's arguably the most fundamental human right of all.

America's Declaration of Independence states "whenever any form of government becomes destructive…it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it."

Palestinian resistance is their only way to achieve long sought liberation. Nothing else can work - not Israeli-controlled elections installing puppets like Abbas, not peace talks accomplishing nothing every time initiated.

In its annual report on human rights in Israel and the Occupied Territories, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) said "2016 brought very little good news when it comes to human rights." 

"The wave of violence that has been dubbed the 'intifada of individuals,' which began in the fall of 2015, continued throughout 2016, at varying levels of intensity." 

"Acts of (state-sponsored) violence violated the basic (Palestinian) right to life and personal security, spread terror among the public, destabilized everyday life, and left mourning families and broken communities." 

"During this difficult period, the authorities often tended to select extreme means in their response to the situation, including the unnecessary violation of rights and liberties and the disproportionate use of force."

In response to Trump's visit to Israel and Bethlehem, an ACRI statement, aimed at Israeli oppression, said "(w)e will not be distracted by the celebrations or your lofty declarations."

"We will resist your attempts to limit civil society by silencing the media and disenfranchising the public that elected you."

The "unbreakable bond…between Israel and the United States" Trump stressed bears full responsibility for devastating regional conflicts, related violence, and human misery.

During a press conference with Abbas in Bethlehem, Trump lied saying "peace is a choice we must make each day, and the US is here to make that dream possible for young Jewish, Muslim and Christian children."

"I truly believe if Israel and the Palestinians can make peace, it will begin a process for peace in the Middle East." 

"Abbas assures me he is ready to work toward that goal in good faith, and Netanyahu has promised the same. I look forward to working with these leaders toward a lasting peace."

Fact: Chances for achieving peace affording Palestinians rights they've been denied throughout Israel's existence are nil - because Israel and Washington reject it, demanding Palestinian subjugation under occupation harshness.

Public pronouncements otherwise are acts of deception. Abbas is a longtime Israeli collaborator, installed to serve its interests, part of the problem, not a leader seeking Palestinian liberation.

Trump one-sidedly supports Israel like all his predecessors. He's notoriously anti-Islamic. Escalating wars against multiple Muslim countries shows where he stands.

Palestinians have no friends in Washington, no one championing their rights, no one committed to end their suffering under oppressive occupation - apartheid viciousness worse than South Africa's.

Separately, hundreds of Palestinian Freedom and Dignity hunger strikers began a 37th day of abstinence, dozens in critical condition, denied medical care, prison authorities refusing to negotiate with strike leaders.

Palestinian Committee of Prisoners' Affairs head Issa Qaraqe issued a statement, accusing Israel of "disdaining the lives and health of hunger strikers in favor of causing deaths among them," adding:

"If something happens to any prisoner, nobody will be able to control the anger of the Palestinian people."

During his visit, Trump ignored their suffering, said nothing about their mistreatment, did nothing to demand justice Israel denies.

Through his lawyer, hunger striker Karim Yunis released a moving letter saying the following:

"Our resisting people

I address you from behind the barbed wire on the 37th day of the battle for freedom and dignity to inform you that our bodies may be weakened and barely able to move, but our spirits reach the sky, and despite the stretch of the battle and its ferocity, we are determined to continue until we achieve victory, not only for us but for all of our people.

The prison and security authorities have tried through several meetings offered to us to suspend the strike and discuss our demands after that, but we refused and have categorically rejected this approach.

We are determined to complete the mission to the fullest. This battle is not only a battle of prisoners and their demands, but it is the battle of the people and their dignity.

It is no secret that weakness and fatigue have hit our bodies, but our will and determination have grown and strengthened above the ability of our bodies.

On the 37th day, we assure you that we will not retreat before the escalation and arrogance of the occupier. 

We will escalate our steps of struggle in the days to come, at the forefront of these steps to refrain from taking salt water.

This requires a parallel escalation of our people and our supporters to expand and take the battle everywhere.

The occupation and its jailers have imprisoned our bodies, but our souls remain resisting and free.

We will not retreat, will not retreat, will not retreat.

Either victory or martyrdom.

Karim Younes

Isolation cells, Ramle Ayalon prison"

He and hundreds of other Freedom and Dignity hunger strikers deserve universal support against a brutal occupier Trump and others in Washington unconditionally support.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. 

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