Israel or Hamas?

We are often asked cynically as Palestinian Christians – when we speak out against the injustices we suffer because of the Israeli occupation – on whether we prefer an Islamic rule instead. The question is, in other words: would we rather live under the reign of Hamas, or continue in our current situation?

What this questions reveals is how for many Christians, when looking at the Middle East, the main issue is the situation of Christians, regardless of the situation of the general population. Such a question ignores the fact that not all Palestinians are Hamas, and that not all Muslims want a religious government. (Look at what happened in Egypt, where it was the Muslims who toppled the Muslim brotherhood president). My point is this: are we only concerned about the situation of Christians in a place like Gaza (and we should be concerned), or do we also care about the human rights and freedom of all Gaza people – regardless of their religion?

Going back to the question itself, my answer is simple: neither! I want to live in a land that gives all its dwellers equal rights and where no one suffers from injustice and discrimination. I want to live in a land of tolerance that gives its dwellers religious freedom. Neither the Israeli occupation nor the Dhimma law provide this, and as long as justice and equity are not a reality on the ground, it is our mandate as Christians to speak out against this.

Why should Palestinians be limited to these two options only? Don’t they deserve more? By framing the question in such a way, I fear that it undermines the dignity of Palestinians – by implying that we can only be ruled, but not rule ourselves. Palestinians, like all people of this earth, are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:28). Our dignity as human beings is God-given to us in creation – and no one can or should compromise this God-given dignity.