HUNDRED YEARS WAR ON PALESTINE

I bought this book in 2021 but only got to reading it now - in Nov '23 - for obvious reasons. So far, I've had a surface level understanding of this seemingly intractable conflict. This book helps with some detailing - espescially from the Palestinian side (the israeli side has been well covered by media for a while now). Yet, I wouldn't say this is the only book to read on the topic - in fact, the end notes have provided me with more to add to my wishlist. (I would also, for the sake of full clarity, still like to counter-check some Israeli perspective too, no doubt). Despite getting the historical connect of Judaism/Jews with the lands of Palestine/Israel (& a soft corner for it despite being agnostic), I've always also had a sneaking sympathy for the Palestinians' plight - slightly more of late. This book adds to that sentiment. (I'm all for a united democratic state (very tough) or a two state (possible if Israel relents a bit)). In terms of specifics, the description of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon was the one that had me taking particular notice. The parallels with the war happening now as I type is absolutely uncanny (though the provocation seems 'tamer' compared to Oct 7). It remains to be seen if the end is the same i.e. no-significant-movement more or less - hopefully not. The point about the Palestinian political leaders' fumbles in the modern world of diplomacy/lobbying/legalese, makes for sad reading. In the meantime, the Israelis don't update their playbook either with zero compromises. Details of the ineffectual Arab govt response - repeatedly - is an interesting learning. And yet, were they a complete sell out? The psychological support for israel in the west is dealt with and explained but the mid East leaders are all individual nationalism + weaker militaries + beholden to old imperial masters. But surely there had to be the emotional side too. I feel like some mention could've been made of factors like expulsion of Jews from Arab nations (like role of Iraqi govt?) and was this a wise move given that it only increased the israeli demographic game? But i understand that this is mainly abt the suffering of the Palestinian people. The writing is fairly clear. Some aspects of the narrative structuring were a bit confusing and required me to go back to get the chronology of events/motivations right. In short - great for understanding the human palestinian POV; but not the only book to read on this subject.

Best book to equip yourself with knowledge about palestine since the very start of zionism and success in occupation of Palestine because of complete support of British. They trained the settlers with arms and funded the complete occupation to fulfill aim of Herzl.

If anyone wants to the real history and truth of the Palestinian-isreal war, i would recommend this book. Enlightens the real truth of Israel's apartheid.

Author bravery

This was a scholarly work- written first hand and masterfully! Brings together the perspective in the correct focus- of a people done wrong by the powers of an era that beloved it could do it - and then wielding its world hegemony to sustain that wrongs! The book ends just before rte present conflict in Gaza/Israel starts. Waiting to see if this could be the moment of change of this tale of suppression!

Beautiful book to know about Palestine.

An excellent book on the history of Palestine and the origins of Zionism and the resistance of the Palestinians against Zionist settler colonialism. A must read.

The paper quality is below average and the font size is too small to read comfortably. Considering the price, I expected much better. Definitely not worth the money.

No creo que haya un libro mejor para entender el problema palestino. El autor pertenece a una familia involucrada en el tema desde hace 4 generaciones. Utiliza archivos de correspondencia de su abuelo y bisabuelo con los principales políticos de principios del XX. Su padre trabajó en la ONU. Su tío fue alcalde de Jerusalén. El autor fue negociador por Palestina, en conversaciones con EEUU e Israel. Fue profesor en universidades de EEUU. Del círculo de Edward Said y Mahmoud Darwish. Todo está muy bien documentado. Explica el problema desde 1917, cuando empezaron los ingleses queriendo establecer un estado judío, ignorando en declaración tras declaración que allí vivía el pueblo palestino. Todo el libro es muy iluminador, pero si el lector se cansa e impacienta, no debe perderse de leer el último capítulo, con la historia de las últimas dos décadas. Todo lo anterior también es importante, pero el último capítulo lo estamos viviendo ahora. No es una lectura apasionante. Es un informe muy clarificador, pero a veces un poco burocrático, más interesado en ser exhaustivo que en atrapar al lector. Yo he aprendido mucho, a pesar de ser un tema que llevo dos años siguiéndolo de cerca y leyendo a autores desde diferentes perspectivas.

Such a great book. Deep and understandable. It will help you understand the deeply rooted history and what’s behind that history.

Got this first as a PDF book but wanted the paper copy, too. This book really sheds light on the truth behind things that a lot of us didn’t have the knowledge of.

This book gives an interesting perspective from the Palestinian side. There is one absolute question: who are the true natives and the colonists? The author cherry picked facts. Please take the time to read from a Jewish perspective as well.

Un libro completo che spiega l'origine della Palestina e del sionismo dalla antichità. Dovremmo leggerlo tutti.