As the flames engulf the city of Gaza since the Israeli bombardment and ground invasion continue to wreak havoc, it becomes pertinent to educate ourselves on the issue of the Palestinian cause and about the bleak future of the city itself. "Drinking the Sea at Gaza," authored by Amira Hass and published amidst the wavering Oslo peace process, remains an exceptionally relevant and poignant observation of life in the Gaza Strip, known as the world's largest open-air prison.
The book provides a balanced and thorough portrayal of Gazan society from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, encapsulating the essence of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and its dire repercussions for the people of Gaza. Amira Hass was the first Israeli journalist to reside in Gaza who commenced her coverage for Ha'aretz after the signing of the Declaration of Principles in 1993. She played a pivotal role in breaking the Israeli stereotypes surrounding the Gazans with her fearless exploration of the Strip, which intertwined her encounters with the residents with insightful analysis that humanized the unheard people of Palestine.
"Drinking the Sea" offers a lucid portrayal of Gazan politics, detailing the inception of the first intifada. Hass argues that Gazan union activism in the 1980s was pivotal in Palestinian resistance, fostering cooperation among political groups. The book extensively explores power struggles among political factions and the intricate dynamics of the resistance movement, revealing bitter internal conflicts (Mitchell, 2002). However, the narrative becomes most compelling as Hass shifts focus from purely political aspects to the lives of ordinary Gazans. Chapters examine diverse interpretations of Islam, the impact of political and economic developments on religious affiliations, and the harsh realities of serving time in prison, which provide a nuanced understanding of Gazan society.
The book delves into the complexities of familial structures, shedding light on the tensions arising from extended family living arrangements and the struggles faced by women due to cultural constraints.
Hass dedicates substantial space to the stories of Gazan refugees, unraveling the emotional connection to lost villages and the challenges faced in reconstructing lives in crowded camps. The book vividly depicts camp life, highlighting the enduring spirit amid harsh conditions. In the section titled "Gaza Prison," Hass examines the impact of Israeli closure policies, exposing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder Gazans' ability to leave the Strip, affecting employment, healthcare, and economic development (Mitchell, 2002). Hass scrutinizes Israeli policies, challenging the argument that security concerns solely drive closure.
She emphasizes the strategic goals behind these policies, accusing Israel of subsuming Palestinian needs for its interests. The book serves as a powerful indictment of Israeli practices that have transformed Gaza into a de facto prison. The author also addresses the repressive tactics of the Palestinian Authority, criticizing its involvement in monopolistic deals with Israeli firms. She highlights the disillusionment among Gazans who expected improved conditions post-Israeli redeployment but experienced continued repression from their authorities.
Thus, amidst a new and more severe intifada, surpassing the one of 1948 with 27,000 casualties and 1.9 million displaced, Hass's groundbreaking narrative of Gaza continues to enlighten those seeking an understanding of the enduring complexities within the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. While detailing the sorrows and indignities faced by Palestinians, Hass presents an extraordinary portrayal of a people that, instead of being brutalized, emerges as a community that survives despite the dehumanization by the West and remains spiritually resilient and morally steadfast in the face of adversity.
References
Hass, A. (1999). Drinking the Sea at Gaza: Days and Nights in a Land Under Siege. Henry Holt and Company. https://www.wrmea.org/2002-april/book-review-drinking-the-sea-at-gaza-days-and-nights-in-a-land-under-siege.html
Roy, S., Hass, A., & Shaban, I. D. A. (1999, January 1). Hass: Drinking the sea at Gaza and Diwan and Shaban: Development under adversity. Institute for Palestine Studies. https://www.palestine-studies.org/en/node/40808
Schanzer, J. (n.d.). Review of drinking the sea at Gaza: Days and nights in a land under siege. Middle East Forum. https://www.meforum.org/1399/drinking-the-sea-at-gaza
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