Understandings of Nonviolence and Violence: Joint Palestinian and International Nonviolent Resistance

Abstract

This chapter explores the phenomenon of internationals and Palestinians working together in resistance against the Israeli occupation during the second intifada, most notably their understandings of nonviolence and violence and how these understandings affect their coordination with one another. International involvement with Palestinian resistance is generally thought of as nonviolent; however, in a society with an armed resistance at the background of a military occupation, it is critical to understand how those resisting “nonviolently” perceive violence. I do not assume it as inherent to their identities as Palestinians or internationals to think differently about violence. However, the different roles of each group (Palestinians and internationals) may nurture different perceptions.