The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

"The Hundred Years' War on Palestine" by Rashid Khalidi presents a landmark history that spans a century of conflict from a Palestinian perspective. It challenges traditional narratives that often frame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a tragic clash between two peoples with competing territorial claims. Instead, Khalidi portrays it as a colonial war waged against the Palestinians, first by the Zionist movement and later by Israel, with the support of powerful Western nations like Britain and the United States.

The book begins in 1899 with Yusuf Diya al-Khalidi, mayor of Jerusalem, addressing Theodore Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, warning of the dangers of displacing the indigenous Palestinian population. This sets the stage for Khalidi's narrative, which draws on a wealth of previously untapped archival materials and the firsthand accounts of his own family members who held prominent roles as mayors, judges, scholars, diplomats, and journalists.

Key events highlighted in Khalidi's narrative include the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which endorsed the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine, and the subsequent series of conflicts leading up to and including the 1948 war, which resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Khalidi also covers Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon and critiques the prolonged and often ineffective peace process.

Importantly, Khalidi's work does not paint Palestinians solely as victims; it acknowledges the mistakes made by Palestinian leaders and recognizes the emergence of national movements on both sides. However, by reframing the conflict as a colonial war, Khalidi offers a fresh perspective that underscores the systemic challenges faced by Palestinians over the past century.

In conclusion, "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine" is a significant contribution to understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing a critical reassessment of historical events and power dynamics that continue to shape the region today. It aims to broaden perspectives and foster deeper dialogue about the complexities of this enduring conflict.