In a recent debate at the Oxford Union Society, the contentious question of whether Israel has ever genuinely sought peace with Palestine was discussed. The following highlights the thoughts of Sami Hamdi, the managing director of the International Interest, a global consultancy focused on geopolitical risks and dynamics. While I’ve refined the transcript, please bear with any remaining errors.
Sami Hamdi: Historically, coexistence among Jews, Muslims, and Christians has been the norm in the region. Thus, when we witness the current conflict, we must ask ourselves: what has changed?
What led to the shift from harmony to hostility? The answer lies in a tragic twist of heritage. Palestinians, who are themselves descendants of Jews that converted to Islam, are now in conflict with one another. They are saying, “Because you share my blood and converted, I will attack you.”
This conflict is rooted deeply in familial ties, as they turn on those who share their lineage simply because of a change in belief. Upon arriving in Palestinian territories, they found welcoming individuals, who greeted them with open arms. Instead of mutual respect, however, they responded with violence, displacing people from their homes and claiming these spaces as their own. Then they offered a so-called peace deal: “I will take the kitchen, the living room, the front yard, and you can have the top of the closet. That is a fair offer.” This is precisely why this motion should be dismissed.
Consider the statements of Israeli leaders throughout history; when one speaks up, they reveal their true sentiments. As a friend once jokingly remarked, if you give a Zionist a microphone, they will undermine their own argument. This can be observed when former Israeli ministers openly declare that they would refuse the offers extended to them. The Knesset, for instance, consistently votes against the establishment of any Palestinian state, demonstrating clear opposition.
Netanyahu, in electoral campaigns, recognizes that denying a Palestinian state is what garners support, while former Prime Minister Shamir highlighted the duty of his successors to prolong the expulsion of Palestinians, ensuring land acquisition for settlements. It’s a relentless pursuit of territory, aiming to erase any trace of Palestine from existence.
Interestingly, the claim of Jewish heritage in Palestine is acknowledged only because it has been preserved by Muslims. The distinction between the preservation efforts of Palestinians versus the aggressive endeavors of Israelis is stark. Look at the before-and-after images of Palestine and witness the endless cycle of consumption and destruction. Despite the devastation, they insist, “We desire peace.” What remnants of their homes are left?
[cheering] [applause]
They assert…
[cheering and screaming]
MY 8 MINUTES. MY 8 MINUTES.
[applause]
My 8 minutes. Who knows? They might raise more funds outside to take over the Oxford Union.
Distinguished guests, allow me to illustrate their concept of self-defense. The statistics from the last five operations against Palestinians reveal a disproportionate toll: blue indicates Palestinian casualties, while the hardly noticeable figure represents Israeli lives lost. While every life is invaluable, do these numbers reflect a true sense of balance when they engage with Palestinians?
To put it simply, as of now, 73,000 lives have been claimed in Gaza—a staggering 36:1 ratio. The implicit value placed on an Israeli life seems to equate to 36 Palestinian lives. This suggests that, if one Israeli is harmed, an entire civilization is deemed expendable.
As I wrap up my limited 8 minutes, I beseech you to consider the reality: it’s not combatants who are suffering, but children and the elderly. Reflect on Dr. Nick Maynard’s remarks during his interview with Tucker Carlson. Maynard described Palestinians as among the most generous people he encountered, while Carlson expressed that society portrays them as less than human.
Who perpetuates this dehumanization? Who fabricates a historical narrative suggesting tension and conflict where none existed? Those who delve into the region’s past will find a significantly different story from the distorted version that has taken root.
