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Israel’s interception of Gaza flotilla draws global ire as Pakistan demands release of detained activists

  Pakistan and several other  countries  on Thursday condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the  Global Sumud Flotilla  (GSF) after its forces intercepted the flotilla heading to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli forces  began intercepting  the flotilla’s latest bid to reach Gaza late last night, the fleet said. Israel has so far intercepted 39 boats with foreign activists on board to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said today. The 45-vessel flotilla, with activists and politicians including  Greta Thunberg  on board, left Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine. Former Pakistani senator  Mushtaq Ahmad Khan  was also on board. Hours after Tel Aviv’s move drew global condemnation, Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that all on board the flotilla were safe would be “deported to Europe”...
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The Logic of Boycott and Normalization Towards Palestinian Liberation

 





The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has emerged as a significant strategy in the Palestinian struggle for liberation, advocating for the cessation of normalization with Israel. This movement is rooted in the belief that engaging with Israeli institutions and companies only serves to reinforce the status quo of occupation and apartheid. The BDS movement aims to mobilize international support to pressure Israel into complying with international law and recognizing Palestinian rights, including the right to self-determination and the return of refugees.

Critics of the BDS movement often argue that it lacks a strategic dimension or is overly authoritarian. However, the Boycott National Committee has consistently welcomed constructive criticism and dialogue within Palestinian society regarding the criteria and strategies for effective boycotting. This inclusive approach ensures that the movement remains adaptable to the varying contexts of Palestinian struggles, whether in 1948 Palestine, 1967 Occupied Palestine, or the broader Arab world. The movement's core logic is to activate all available forms of pressure on Israel and its supporters, aiming to alter the balance of power in favor of the Palestinian people.

Normalization with Israel has been a contentious issue, particularly since the signing of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. Many cultural and academic exchanges have been framed as efforts to foster understanding, yet they often serve to whitewash Israel's actions and create a false narrative of peace. Participants in these normalization projects frequently report that such engagements do not contribute to the Palestinian cause but instead provide Israel with a veneer of legitimacy while undermining the global boycott movement. The BDS movement seeks to counteract this by promoting a clear stance against normalization in all its forms.

The Palestinian community's support for the BDS movement has grown significantly, reflecting a collective rejection of normalization. This shift is evident in the declining willingness of Palestinians to engage in joint projects with Israelis, as well as the increasing public support for boycotting Israeli products and institutions. The movement has successfully mobilized a wide range of Palestinian voices, including artists, intellectuals, and civil society organizations, to advocate for a unified approach to resistance against Israeli oppression.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi's recent remarks during Pakistan's National Day celebrations highlighted the importance of solidarity and dialogue in addressing global injustices, including the Palestinian struggle. He emphasized the need for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Palestinian rights in accordance with UN resolutions. This reflects a broader recognition of the interconnectedness of struggles against colonialism and oppression worldwide.

In conclusion, the logic of boycott and normalization is central to the Palestinian liberation movement. By rejecting normalization and advocating for a comprehensive boycott of Israel, the BDS movement aims to mobilize international support and pressure Israel to comply with international law. This strategy not only seeks to empower Palestinians in their quest for self-determination but also serves as a call to action for global solidarity against all forms of oppression.

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