Palestine -Israel Conflict

1. Through African Eyes: Navigating the Israel-Palestine Quandary
By
Owen Mulima
24th December,2023
Owen Mulima is a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies Education of the School of
Humanities and Social Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU) in Zambia. He holds a Cert
in The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from The Open University, India, Cert in Social Work,
Dip Ed, BA Ed, and M Ed(Rel. Studies & Education) from the University of Zambia (UNZA). He
teaches Religious Studies Education and Religious Education Teaching Methods and has
published scholarly articles in the two areas. His email addresses are: mulimaowen@gmail.com
Abstract
The article explores the Israel-Palestine conflict from both political and religious perspectives,
emphasizing Africa’s unique lens shaped by its history of colonization, struggles for self-
determination, and post-colonial challenges. It highlights the parallels African nations see
between their fight for independence and the Palestinian quest for statehood. The evolving
dynamics of Africa's engagement, from historical solidarity to pragmatic diplomatic ties with
Israel, are examined. The religious dimension is also explored, considering the role of Judaism
and Islam in shaping the conflict, and how Africa’s diverse religious landscape influences its
stance. The tapestry of history, geopolitics, and religious identity in Africa provides a nuanced
understanding of the complexities inherent in the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging a balance
between solidarity and practical considerations.
The political perspective
The conflict in Israel-Palestine has helped to produce one of the world’s most consistently
volatile geographical hotbeds. Although the reasons for this conflict are many and complex,
religious difference is universally cited as one of the region’s most explosive and decisive issues,
Moret (2008).
The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a longstanding and contentious issue that has drawn
attention from various regions around the world, including Africa. Africa, with its history of
colonization, struggles for self-determination, and post-colonial challenges, often view the
Israel-Palestine conflict through a unique lens shaped by its own experiences. The Israel-
Palestine conflict is one of the oldest and persisting conflicts in the world. Now and then, the
situation escalates to deadly heights causing deaths and destruction in the region, UN
Encyclopedia (2021)
African nations, having endured the impacts of European imperialism and colonialism, can
empathize with the Palestinian quest for self-determination. The struggle against colonial rule is
a shared narrative, and African nations often see parallels between their fight for independence

2. and the Palestinian desire for statehood. The scars of colonization, the imposition of artificial
borders, and the consequences of external powers shaping the destiny of nations are wounds
that resonate across continents.
The broad contours of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are ever changing, Schumacher, (2023).
Africa's diverse and multi-ethnic societies provide a context for understanding the complexities
of managing different communities within a nation. The Israel-Palestine conflict involves
competing national identities, and African nations, having grappled with issues of tribalism,
ethnic diversity, and national unity, may find elements of familiarity in the challenges faced by
both Israelis and Palestinians.
On the flip side, Africa's historical and geopolitical landscape has also contributed to a varied
stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. During the decolonization era, some African nations
aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause, expressing solidarity with fellow oppressed
people. This solidarity was often rooted in anti-colonial and anti-imperialist sentiments, as well
as a rejection of the perceived Western influence in the Middle East.
However, as the political dynamics in the region evolved, so did Africa's engagement with the
Israel-Palestine conflict. Some African nations have developed diplomatic ties with Israel, driven
by shared interests in areas such as agriculture, technology, and security. These diplomatic
relations highlight the pragmatism of African nations, as they seek to balance historical
solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of mutually beneficial partnerships.
Furthermore, the involvement of external powers and their influence in the Israel-Palestine
conflict resonates with Africa's own experiences of foreign intervention and neocolonial
interests. African nations, having endured the consequences of external interference in their
affairs, may view the involvement of global powers in the Middle East with a critical eye. The
power dynamics, geopolitical interests, and the role of international actors in shaping the
trajectory of the conflict are aspects that Africa, with its history of being a pawn in global power
struggles, can analyze and understand.
Warnke et.al, (2023), the majority of the Jews (87%) perceived exclusive ingroup ownership of
the contested land, whereas 13% perceived shared Jewish and Palestinian ownership. In
contrast, most of the Palestinians perceived moderate levels of shared ownership (43%)
followed by ingroup ownership (36%), but we also identified profiles with high levels of shared
ownership (11%) and exclusive outgroup ownership (10%). We conclude that Jewish and
Palestinian citizens of Israel have different understandings of land ownership. Palestinians
aspire to establish their own state on these territories, while Israel claims to own these
territories.
The religious perspective
The Israel-Palestine conflict, when examined from an African perspective, takes on additional
layers of complexity, including the religious dimensions that play a crucial role in shaping

3. opinions and influencing policies. The Middle East, including Israel and Palestine, is a turbulent
war zone with religion significantly fueling extreme hatred and violence, Segell (2023). Africa,
with its diverse religious landscape, can appreciate the significance of religion in identity,
conflict, and resolution.
Religion, particularly Judaism and Islam, serves as a central factor in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The significance of Jerusalem, a city revered by both Jews and Muslims, adds a religious
dimension to the territorial and nationalistic aspects of the conflict. Africa, with its own history
of religious diversity and coexistence, can relate to the challenges of managing competing
religious narratives within a geopolitical context.
Moreover, Africa has experienced the intersection of religion and politics, with religious
identities often influencing national discourse and decision-making. The Israel-Palestine
conflict, with its roots deeply embedded in historical and religious narratives, resonates with
African nations that have grappled with the delicate balance between religious identity and
national cohesion.
Religious solidarity has played a role in shaping Africa's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Some African nations, with predominantly Muslim populations, have expressed solidarity with
the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the importance of religious ties over geopolitical
considerations. This solidarity echoes Africa's historical connection to pan-Arab and pan-African
movements, where shared religious identity fosters a sense of kinship and support.
Hadzic (2022) explains that, besides cultural and territorial determinants of the Arab-
Israeli conflict, the status quo is conditioned by a religious rather than a secular approach to
political organization. In both civilizations, people view the area they inhabit through religious
rights, turning history into theology and different theology into socio-politics.
Conversely, Africa's religious diversity also contributes to a varied stance on the conflict.
Nations with significant Christian populations may find common ground with Israel, given the
historical and religious connections between Christianity and Judaism. The significance of the
Holy Land in Christianity adds another layer to Africa's engagement with the Israel-Palestine
conflict, as it navigates the complexities of religious identity and global geopolitics.
In addition, the involvement of religious actors and institutions in peacemaking efforts further
emphasizes the role of religion in the conflict. African nations, with their own experiences of
religious leaders influencing political processes, can appreciate the impact of interfaith dialogue
and collaboration in fostering understanding and reconciliation.
The Israel-Palestine conflict, viewed through an African lens, becomes a tapestry woven with
threads of history, geopolitics, and religious identity. Africa's rich tapestry of religious diversity,
historical struggles for self-determination, and experiences with external interference
contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in the conflict. As African

4. nations navigate their positions, they must balance religious solidarity with practical
considerations, drawing on their own experiences of managing diverse religious communities
within the context of a shared national identity. Many contemporary conflicts are framed as
antagonistic and difficult to resolve because of their zero-sum framing among the disputants,
(Michele,2015).
Abdelhakam, (2020) asserts that religion and politics exist on a continuum with varying costs.
The dominance of one over the other has consequences for the safety of people, whichever
domain has the power. If religion is empowered absolutely, it is abused in the legitimization it
gives to violence. If politics is empowered absolutely, the sacred space of human history is
denied the ability to flourish and sustain human communities.
In conclusion, the Israel-Palestine conflict, when viewed from an African perspective, is a
complex issue intertwined with historical struggles for self-determination, post-colonial
challenges, and the dynamics of geopolitical interests. Africa's own experiences with
colonization, nation-building, and external interference shape its nuanced understanding of the
conflict. As African nations navigate their relationships with the parties involved, they draw on a
rich tapestry of historical parallels, solidarity, and the pragmatism necessary for addressing the
complexities of a conflict that reverberates far beyond the borders of the Middle East.
References
Abdelhakam, N.M. (2020). Religiously Motivated Political and Religious Nationalism of Israel-
Palestine conflict.
Hadžić, F. (2022). Sociology of religion, and sociopolitical intercultural peace in space and place
of Jerusalem. Journal of Islamicjerusalem Studies.
Leal Filho, W., Azul, A.M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., Özuyar, P.G., Wall, T. (eds) (2021). Israel-
Palestine Conflict. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Michele, C. (2015). The Israel-Palestine Conflict.
Moret, R. (2008). Violence and Eschatology in the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
Schumacher, M.J. (2023). From Partition to Peace? A Retrospective on Religion and
Reconciliation in Palestine/Israel. Peace Review, 35, 62 - 71.
Segell, G. (2023). An Alternative View Of The Israel-Palestine Dispute: The Eschatological
Dimension. Jurnal CMES.
Warnke, K., Martinović, B., & Rosler, N. (2023). Territorial ownership perceptions and
reconciliation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: A person-centered approach. European Journal
of Social Psychology.