Zionism and Hamas, two peas in a pod

Zionism and Hamas are two distinct ideological movements that have gained significant support among Jews in Israel and Palestinians in Palestine. While their beliefs are in opposition, they rely on each other to maintain their influence over their followers. Unless an alternative is identified, their continued presence in Israel/Palestine will continue to negatively impact the population. This article presents a proposal for an alternative solution.

Both groups have engaged in acts of violence against civilians. Zionism has been associated with the expulsion, killing, and destruction of Palestinian homes and villages, as well as the denial of their right to return. On the other hand, Hamas considers Israeli civilians as legitimate targets due to their support for Zionism and has carried out acts of violence against them.

These two ideologies have deep-rooted religious differences in a region with a history of religious significance. They believe that the other’s ideology should be eradicated, showing no support for coexistence. Both ideologies prioritize land over people and claim exclusive rights to it. Zionists refer to it as Israel, while Hamas refers to it as Palestine. They encourage their civilians to participate in conflict against each other and allocate a significant portion of their budgets towards acquiring and developing weapons, often with support from external sources. Neither Zionism nor Hamas prioritize peace, and neither group has allocated resources or personnel for peace initiatives. Both ideologies lack a vision for peace other than eradicating the other. Religion plays an important role in both groups, influencing their military and civil aspects. Neither advocate for a secular democracy with a clear separation between government and religion. Each believes that its ideology is superior and excludes the other, despite being led by individuals who are not religious themselves.

Hamas and Zionism suppress free thoughts inside their own societies to challenge their beliefs. The press and media in these societies are their cheerleaders and promoters with very little or any critical examination of their ideologies. They shield themselves from criticism. Zionist label those who oppose their ideology “Antisemites “and Hamas calls those who oppose their ideology “Islamaphobes“. They embroiled the people in Israel Palestine in an endless war without any realistic resolution for the 14 million people who live there. Both have strong support within their population and significant military capabilities. In the foreseeable future their ideologies will not be dismantled and in all probability, given the experience, will strengthen.

As a result of the circumstances, a potential solution could be the establishment of a common federal government based on mutual consensus of the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Israeli-Palestinian Confederation (IPC) proposes a broader foundation and mechanism for peace, centered around a common constitutional democracy that operates independently from the Israeli and Palestinian governments. A common federal government could be the only entity that both Palestinians and Israelis would trust. The IPC advocates for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in a democratic, equal, and open society, promoting mutual respect, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion. It acknowledges the historical connection of both peoples to the land of Israel and Palestine as an integral part of their identities that must be respected. The IPC believes that the legitimate needs of both Israelis and Palestinians can be addressed and safeguarded through the constitution published on www.ipconfederation.org