When you attend or pass by a pro-Hamas protest, you may often hear the chant, “Resistance Is Justified When People Are Occupied.” But what does this phrase truly mean?
True Meaning
The slogan “Resistance is justified when people are occupied” is used to endorse resistance, including violent actions, as a legitimate response to foreign or perceived occupation. Proponents claim it reflects a right to self-determination and to resist occupation, often citing international law and human rights. However, in practice, this slogan has been co-opted by groups that justify terrorism and mass murder under the guise of resistance.
After the October 7, 2023 massacre, where Hamas terrorists brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped Israeli civilians, pro-Hamas demonstrators often chanted this phrase. It is clear their intent goes far beyond resistance—they support the genocidal goals of “Kill all Jews” and “Destroy Israel.”
This slogan, then, serves as a euphemism for endorsing violence and terror rather than any legitimate or lawful resistance.
Israeli Occupation
The term “Israeli occupation” refers to Israel’s military presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1967, following its victory in the Six-Day War. Key details about this situation include:
International Law and Settlements: While some deem Israeli settlements illegal, they exist within a broader context of persistent Palestinian terrorism and a refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
Control of Territories: Israel maintains control over parts of the West Bank, while Gaza has been under Hamas’ self-rule since Israel’s withdrawal in 2005. The division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C under the Oslo Accords gave Palestinians administrative control in some areas, but Israeli security concerns remain.
Why Are Palestinian Territories Under Tight Control?
A critical point often overlooked is that Palestinian support for Hamas—a terrorist organization—has consequences. Hamas explicitly calls for the destruction of Israel and the mass murder of Jews, as outlined in its charter. This unwavering support for terrorism endangers not just Israelis but Palestinians themselves.
For Israel to protect its citizens, it enforces strict security measures in these territories. Were Palestinians to abandon terrorism and follow the peaceful example of Israel’s 2 million Arab citizens, the so-called “occupation” would likely no longer be necessary.
