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Israel’s Environmental Degradation in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria
Earth for Palestine
Introduction
Environmental degradation under occupation and apartheid often stems from military operations, resource exploitation, and infrastructural destruction. In the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, significant environmental harm has been reported. These impacts include deforestation, pollution, depletion of water resources, and destruction of agricultural lands on top of human life loss. This report focuses and outlines the key environmental issues in these regions attributed to Israeli policies and military actions.
Environmental Impact in Palestine
Water Resource Exploitation and Pollution
Israel exerts control over most water resources in the occupied Palestinian territories. The diversion of water from the Jordan River and over-extraction from the Mountain and Coastal Aquifers has led to severe water shortages for Palestinians. Moreover, wastewater from Israeli settlements has polluted Palestinian farmlands and water sources, with untreated sewage discharged into the West Bank’s valleys and streams.
Theft of Natural Resources: Gas and Oil Exploitation
Israel has been stealing Palestinian natural resources, particularly in Gaza, where it has restricted Palestinian access to offshore gas fields. Reports indicate that Israel has taken control of gas reserves off the coast of Gaza, depriving Palestinians of their rightful resources and economic opportunities. Furthermore, Israel has shown interest in oil drilling in Gaza, raising concerns over environmental degradation and economic exploitation.
Gaza is home to significant natural gas reserves, primarily located offshore in the Mediterranean Sea. These reserves have the potential to provide Palestinians with economic independence and energy security. However, Israeli policies and military control have largely prevented Palestinians from accessing and benefiting from these resources. This section examines Israel’s exploitation of Gaza’s oil and gas reserves and the environmental, economic, and political consequences of this resource theft.
Gas Reserves in Gaza
The Gaza Marine gas field, discovered in 1999 by British Gas (BG Group), is estimated to contain over 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It lies about 30 kilometers off the coast of Gaza in Palestinian territorial waters. This field could generate billions in revenue and significantly reduce Palestinian dependence on foreign energy imports. However, despite this potential, Palestinians have been denied the ability to develop and extract these resources due to Israeli restrictions.
Israeli Control and Resource Exploitation
Israel has effectively seized control over Gaza’s maritime resources, preventing Palestinian authorities from extracting gas and negotiating independent deals for its sale.
Over the years, Israel has:
-
Blocked Palestinian access to the gas field through military-enforced maritime restrictions.
-
Negotiated with international energy companies to exploit the gas without Palestinian consent.
-
Extracted gas from adjacent fields, some of which extend into Palestinian waters, depriving Gaza of its rightful share.
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Blocked all fuel, water, food from entering Gaza for 17 months, violating International human rights law
Israeli authorities have argued security concerns as justification for these restrictions, but critics view this as part of a broader strategy to maintain economic dominance over the Palestinian territories.

Oil Exploration in Gaza
Beyond natural gas, reports indicate that Israel has explored the possibility of offshore oil drilling in Palestinian-controlled areas. While oil reserves in Gaza are less documented than its gas fields, Israeli interest in energy exploration raises concerns over further** environmental degradation and economic exploitation.**
Economic and Environmental Consequences
Economic Consequences
-
The inability to exploit its own natural gas means **Gaza remains dependent on Israeli energy supplies, **which are often restricted or cut off at whim.
-
Potential revenue from gas sales, estimated in the billions of dollars, could have funded infrastructure, healthcare, and development in Gaza.
-
Israel’s control over these resources reinforces Palestinian economic stagnation and vulnerability.
Environmental Consequences
-
Any unauthorized Israeli drilling and extraction risks polluting Gaza’s coastline and disrupting marine ecosystems.
-
Oil and gas extraction, if improperly managed, could lead to oil spills, gas leaks, and long-term ecological damage in Palestinian waters.
-
By denying Palestinians control, Israel prevents the development of environmentally sustainable energy policies in Gaza.
The case of Gaza’s oil and gas reserves highlights the broader issue of resource exploitation in occupied territories. Israel’s control over these vital energy sources has deprived Palestinians of economic independence, reinforced dependence on Israeli energy supplies, and raised concerns about environmental degradation. Addressing this issue requires international intervention and legal accountability to ensure that Palestinians regain control over their natural wealth.
Deforestation, Fruit Tree Theft, and Land Degradation
Israeli settlement expansion and military occupation have led to large-scale deforestation in Palestine. Olive groves, which are crucial for Palestinian livelihoods, have been systematically uprooted or burned by settlers and the Israeli military. Beyond destruction, reports indicate that Israeli entities have engaged in the systematic theft of Palestinian fruit-bearing trees, particularly olive trees, citrus trees, and date palms. These stolen trees are often transplanted into Israeli settlements or sold commercially for profit. The removal of these trees not only affects the Palestinian agricultural economy but also depletes the region’s biodiversity and accelerates desertification. The construction of the separation wall has further fragmented ecosystems and disrupted natural habitats, making it difficult for Palestinian farmers to access and tend to their lands.
Air and Soil Pollution
Frequent military strikes and the use of heavy artillery, including white phosphorus munitions in Gaza, have contaminated the soil and air, impacting public health and biodiversity. The destruction of waste treatment facilities in Gaza has resulted in the uncontrolled spread of hazardous materials. The use of phosphorus gas has exacerbated environmental and health risks, as it releases toxic chemicals that persist in the air and soil, further harming ecosystems and human populations.

Environmental Impact in Lebanon
Oil Spill and Marine Pollution
One of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in Lebanon occurred during the 2006 war, when Israeli airstrikes targeted the Jiyyeh power station, causing a massive oil spill along Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast. This spill devastated marine life and severely compromised the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing.
Forest Fires and Land Degradation
Israeli shelling and airstrikes have led to extensive wildfires in southern Lebanon, destroying large forested areas. These fires have further contributed to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The use of cluster munitions has left unexploded ordnance scattered across agricultural lands, posing risks to farmers and restricting land use.
**Phosphorus Gas Usage
**Reports indicate that Israeli forces have used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon, particularly during the 2006 war. The use of this incendiary substance has led to severe environmental and health hazards, contaminating soil and water sources, and causing long-term ecological damage.
Effects of White Phosphorus on the Environment
Air Pollution and Toxic Emissions
When white phosphorus burns, it releases toxic phosphorus pentoxide, which reacts with moisture in the air to form corrosive phosphoric acid. This leads to:
-
Severe air pollution, particularly in areas where phosphorus munitions are used extensively.
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Respiratory problems in exposed populations due to inhalation of toxic fumes.
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Acidic rainfall, which can damage crops, contaminate water sources, and degrade soil quality over time.
Soil and Water Contamination
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Phosphorus residue can seep into the soil, making agricultural land infertile and contaminating groundwater.
-
Rainwater can carry phosphorus particles into rivers and reservoirs, polluting drinking water sources.
-
Toxic runoff from phosphorus-affected areas can disrupt local ecosystems, harming wildlife and fisheries.
Human Health Consequences
It is estimated that the lethal dose of white phosphorus in humans is 0.1 grams, but even a much smaller amount can have adverse effects on people including:
-
Severe burns: White phosphorus sticks to human skin, causing deep burns that are difficult to treat.
-
Chronic respiratory diseases: Inhalation of phosphorus fumes can lead to lung damage, chronic coughing, and long-term breathing issues.
-
Neurological damage: Long-term exposure has been linked to neurological disorders and cognitive impairments.
-
Damage to vital organs: Exposure to white phosphorus is also linked to **kidney and liver failure and gastrointestinal irritation **as well.
-
Increased cancer risk: Studies suggest exposure to phosphorus combustion byproducts may increase the likelihood of certain cancers.
Measuring Air Quality in Phosphorus-Affected Areas
1. Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors – Detecting Airborne Phosphorus Particles
Example: The PurpleAir PA-II Sensor, used globally for real-time air quality monitoring, can detect fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that may contain phosphorus residues. Similar sensors have been deployed in Gaza and Lebanon by environmental organizations to measure pollution from conflict zones.
✅ Application in Lebanon: These sensors can be placed in bombed areas to detect phosphorus dust and track its spread. Data can help assess how far toxic particles travel and how long they remain in the air.
2. Chemical Gas Analyzers – Measuring Phosphorus Pentoxide and Acidic Compounds
Example: The Thermo Scientific Model 43i SO₂ Analyzer can measure sulfur dioxide and phosphorus oxides, which are byproducts of white phosphorus combustion. Gas analyzers like this have been used in Iraq and Syria to monitor chemical weapon residues.
✅ Application in Lebanon: After phosphorus bombings, these analyzers can detect toxic gases lingering in the air, confirming environmental contamination and assessing health risks.
3. Satellite Imaging and Remote Sensing – Tracking Pollution and Fire-Related Emissions
Example:
-
**NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) **has been used to monitor fire emissions and air pollution from forest fires, wars, and industrial explosions.
-
The Sentinel-5P satellite (operated by the European Space Agency) can detect airborne chemicals, including phosphorus-related pollutants.
✅** Application in Lebanon:** Satellite data can show where phosphorus munitions were used, the scale of air pollution, and how long contamination persists. This method has already been used to track oil spill pollution from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s Jiyyeh power plant in 2006.
**4. Groundwater and Soil Testing – Detecting Phosphorus Contamination in Land and Water
**
Example:
-
The ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) technique has been used to detect heavy metal contamination in war zones, including Gaza.
-
Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L) has conducted soil and water quality assessments after Israeli bombings.
✅ **Application in Lebanon: **After phosphorus munitions are used, soil and groundwater samples can be tested for phosphorus compounds. This can confirm contamination levels in farmlands and drinking water sources, affecting agriculture and human health.
International agencies, including the UN and environmental monitoring organizations, could deploy these methods to document the long-term consequences of phosphorus weapon use in Lebanon.
The use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military in Lebanon has had severe environmental, health, and ecological consequences. Toxic emissions contribute to air pollution, soil degradation, and water contamination, while exposed populations suffer from chronic illnesses and long-term health risks. Conducting air quality and soil contamination assessments is essential to quantify the full impact and push for accountability under international law.
Environmental Impact in Syria
Destruction of Agricultural Lands and Water Resource Control in Syria
Destruction of Agricultural Lands in the Golan Heights
The Golan Heights, a fertile and strategic plateau occupied by Israel since 1967, has faced extensive environmental destruction due to Israeli military operations. Syrian officials and environmental organizations have reported severe damage to farmland caused by:
- Airstrikes and Bombardment – Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian infrastructure and military positions have also impacted farmlands, orchards, and grazing areas. Explosions cause soil degradation, destroy crops, and leave behind unexploded ordnance that makes agricultural activities hazardous.
Example: In multiple strikes on Syrian territories near the Golan Heights, Israeli missiles have set farmland ablaze, reducing agricultural productivity.
- Land Confiscation and Settlement Expansion – Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights have expanded, displacing Syrian farmers and reducing the available land for local agricultural production.
Example: The Israeli government has promoted new settlements such as Trump Heights, further restricting access to farmlands for displaced Syrian families.
- Military Exercises and Land Degradation – The Israeli military frequently conducts live-fire exercises in parts of the Golan Heights, which result in:
-
Soil contamination from spent ammunition.
-
Fires caused by explosions, further damaging local ecosystems and farmland.
-
Erosion due to heavy military vehicle movement, making it harder to cultivate crops.
The destruction of Syrian farmland has led to:
✅ Loss of food security, as Syria depends on the Golan for fruit, grains, and livestock grazing.
✅ Economic hardship for farmers who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.
✅ Long-term environmental damage, including desertification and reduced soil fertility.
Water Resource Control and Its Impact on Syrian Communities
The Golan Heights is a vital water source, as it supplies the Jordan River, Yarmouk River, and Sea of Galilee, making it one of the most strategically important regions in the Middle East. Since Israel’s occupation, it has imposed severe restrictions on Syrian communities’ access to water, leading to drought and agricultural collapse. As of now, **Israel controls 40% of Jordan and Syria’s shared water resources. **
1. Israeli Control of Springs, Rivers, and Aquifers
-
The Banias and Dan Springs, which contribute to the Jordan River’s flow, have been heavily diverted by Israel.
-
The Yarmouk River, which originally supplied water to both Syria and Jordan, has been partially controlled and redirected by and to Israel, reducing both Syrian and Jordanian water availability.
2. Water Theft by Israeli Settlements
Israeli authorities are stealing water access for settlers in the Golan Heights, leaving Syrian villages with minimal or no water supply for drinking and irrigation.
Example: Syrian farmers in the Golan struggle to irrigate their fields, while Israeli settlements enjoy advanced water infrastructure for agriculture and domestic use.
3. Desertification and Agricultural Decline
-
Without sufficient water, once-fertile Syrian lands in the Golan are turning into arid wastelands.
-
Reduced water flow has led to lower crop yields and made livestock farming unsustainable.
****Deforestation and loss of vegetation due to Israeli land seizures and military actions have worsened soil erosion.
✅ Impact on Local Farmers: Many Syrian Druze farmers in the Golan Heights have faced **increased water shortages **and have been forced to abandon their agricultural lands due to Israeli-imposed restrictions.
✅ Political and Economic Consequences: Israel’s monopolization of Golan’s water has weakened Syrian agricultural independence and placed further strain on Syria’s war-torn economy.
Conclusion
Israeli policies in the occupied Golan Heights have led to the systematic destruction of agricultural lands and severe water shortages for Syrian communities. Military operations, settlement expansion, and water control measures have turned once-productive lands into barren, drought-stricken areas. These actions exacerbate food insecurity, economic hardship, and environmental decline, further deepening the impact of Israel’s occupation on Syria’s rural populations.
Satellite imagery has been instrumental in documenting the environmental and infrastructural impacts of military actions in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Below are specific examples illustrating these effects:
Lebanon:
-
Beirut Port Explosion (August 2020): Satellite images captured the extensive damage caused by the explosion at Beirut’s port, highlighting the widespread destruction of the surrounding area.
The Express Tribune
-
Southern Lebanon Airstrikes (2024): NASA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) detected numerous heat signatures in southern Lebanon, confirming intense airstrikes that significantly impacted the region. Sensex falls over 100 pts+1www.ndtv.com+1
Palestine (Gaza Strip):
-
Destruction in Rafah (2024): Satellite imagery revealed vast destruction in Rafah following ground operations, with significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure. bellingcat
-
Widespread Damage Across Gaza (2024): Maps, charts, and satellite images demonstrated extensive damage to buildings throughout the Gaza Strip since the onset of conflict. The Express Tribune+3The Guardian+3AP News+3

*Satellite images show destruction from Israel’s assault on Gaza *
Israel’s Actions as Ecocide: The Environmental Destruction in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria
Beyond the catastrophic loss of human life, Israel’s military actions and environmental policies amount to ecocide—the deliberate destruction of ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. The widespread devastation to land, water, and air in these regions has caused long-term, possibly irreversible, damage to the environment, affecting both people and wildlife for generations to come.
1. Systematic Destruction of Farmlands and Forests
Palestine (West Bank & Gaza)
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Olive Tree Uprooting & Agricultural Sabotage: The Israeli military and settlers have destroyed over 800,000 olive trees in the West Bank since 1967. These trees are essential to Palestinian culture, economy, and environmental stability.
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Bombing of Gaza’s Agricultural Land: Repeated aerial bombardments and shelling have burned entire farmlands, rendering them infertile due to chemical contamination from explosives.
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Use of Herbicides to Destroy Crops: Israel has sprayed toxic herbicides along Gaza’s border, killing Palestinian crops under the pretext of clearing security zones. This has led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity.
Lebanon
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Forest Fires Caused by Bombing: Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon has sparked wildfires that consume vast forested areas, leading to habitat loss and soil erosion.
-
**Cluster Munitions Contaminating Land: **Unexploded Israeli cluster bombs from the 2006 war still litter fields, making large areas unsafe for farming and human habitation.
Syria (Golan Heights)
-
**Deforestation and Desertification: **Israeli policies have restricted Syrian farmers’ access to their land, leading to soil degradation and loss of tree cover. The conversion of agricultural lands into Israeli military zones has resulted in mass deforestation.
-
Illegal Settler Agriculture: Israeli settlers exploit Syrian agricultural lands, redirecting water supplies for exclusive use in Israeli farms while Syrian farmers are denied access to irrigation.
2. Pollution of Water Sources and Deliberate Resource Theft
Palestine (Gaza & West Bank)
- Water Apartheid in the West Bank: Israel diverts over 80% of Palestinian water resources for use by Israeli settlers, leaving Palestinian communities with severe water shortages.
*** Destruction of Water Infrastructure in Gaza:** Israeli airstrikes have targeted Gaza’s water desalination plants, sewage treatment facilities, and wells, causing:
✅ Toxic contamination of groundwater
✅ Severe drinking water shortages (97% of Gaza’s water is undrinkable)
✅ Widespread diseases due to waterborne pollution
Lebanon
-
Oil Spill Disaster from Israeli Strikes: In 2006, Israel bombed the Jiyyeh power plant, releasing 15,000 tons of oil into the Mediterranean Sea, devastating marine life and fisheries along Lebanon’s coast.
-
Targeting of Dams and Water Networks: Israeli airstrikes have damaged water infrastructure, reducing Lebanon’s access to clean water and irrigation.
Syria (Golan Heights)
-
Theft of Water Resources: Israel has diverted water from the Banias and Dan rivers, which are crucial for Syrian agriculture, while settlers receive privileged access.
-
**Water Pollution from Military Activity: **Israeli military zones in the Golan Heights have led to **chemical runoff and contamination of soil and water sources, **harming local wildlife and agriculture.
3. Air, Soil, and Chemical Contamination from Military Weapons
Phosphorus Gas and Toxic Bombardment
Israel’s use of white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon has led to:
✅ Soil contamination, making agricultural land infertile
✅ Airborne toxic chemicals, affecting human and animal health
✅ Acid rain formation, further degrading water and land quality
Long-Term Effects on Ecosystems
-
**Destruction of Pollinators (Bees, Birds, and Wildlife): **Bombings and deforestation have wiped out bee populations and migratory birds, disrupting natural pollination cycles and food production.
-
Collapse of Marine Ecosystems: The Mediterranean coast has suffered massive fish die-offs due to oil spills, phosphorus contamination, and destruction of wastewater treatment plants.
4. The Definition of Ecocide: How Israel’s Actions Qualify
Under international law, ecocide is defined as:
- “Unlawful or wanton acts committed with the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and widespread damage to the environment.”*
Israel’s military operations and policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria meet this definition because:
✅ They systematically destroy natural ecosystems through bombings, land seizures, and resource theft.
✅ They disproportionately target environmental infrastructure (water plants, farmlands, forests).
✅ They cause long-term harm to biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.
Conclusion: Holding Israel Accountable for Ecocide
The destruction of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian ecosystems is not merely collateral damage but a calculated strategy of environmental warfare. By depriving communities of their lands, water, and clean air, Israel’s actions have devastating consequences for both human populations and the planet.
Call to Action:
*** International organizations and environmental watchdogs must document and prosecute ecocide crimes in conflict zones.
-
Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian communities deserve restoration efforts and reparations for environmental destruction.
-
Global awareness and legal frameworks must be strengthened to prevent the weaponization of nature in warfare.
**
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"content" : "Earth for PalestineIntroductionEnvironmental degradation under occupation and apartheid often stems from military operations, resource exploitation, and infrastructural destruction. In the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, significant environmental harm has been reported. These impacts include deforestation, pollution, depletion of water resources, and destruction of agricultural lands on top of human life loss. This report focuses and outlines the key environmental issues in these regions attributed to Israeli policies and military actions.Environmental Impact in PalestineWater Resource Exploitation and PollutionIsrael exerts control over most water resources in the occupied Palestinian territories. The diversion of water from the Jordan River and over-extraction from the Mountain and Coastal Aquifers has led to severe water shortages for Palestinians. Moreover, wastewater from Israeli settlements has polluted Palestinian farmlands and water sources, with untreated sewage discharged into the West Bank’s valleys and streams.Theft of Natural Resources: Gas and Oil ExploitationIsrael has been stealing Palestinian natural resources, particularly in Gaza, where it has restricted Palestinian access to offshore gas fields. Reports indicate that Israel has taken control of gas reserves off the coast of Gaza, depriving Palestinians of their rightful resources and economic opportunities. Furthermore, Israel has shown interest in oil drilling in Gaza, raising concerns over environmental degradation and economic exploitation.Gaza is home to significant natural gas reserves, primarily located offshore in the Mediterranean Sea. These reserves have the potential to provide Palestinians with economic independence and energy security. However, Israeli policies and military control have largely prevented Palestinians from accessing and benefiting from these resources. This section examines Israel’s exploitation of Gaza’s oil and gas reserves and the environmental, economic, and political consequences of this resource theft.Gas Reserves in GazaThe Gaza Marine gas field, discovered in 1999 by British Gas (BG Group), is estimated to contain over 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It lies about 30 kilometers off the coast of Gaza in Palestinian territorial waters. This field could generate billions in revenue and significantly reduce Palestinian dependence on foreign energy imports. However, despite this potential, Palestinians have been denied the ability to develop and extract these resources due to Israeli restrictions.Israeli Control and Resource ExploitationIsrael has effectively seized control over Gaza’s maritime resources, preventing Palestinian authorities from extracting gas and negotiating independent deals for its sale.Over the years, Israel has: Blocked Palestinian access to the gas field through military-enforced maritime restrictions. Negotiated with international energy companies to exploit the gas without Palestinian consent. Extracted gas from adjacent fields, some of which extend into Palestinian waters, depriving Gaza of its rightful share. Blocked all fuel, water, food from entering Gaza for 17 months, violating International human rights law Israeli authorities have argued security concerns as justification for these restrictions, but critics view this as part of a broader strategy to maintain economic dominance over the Palestinian territories.Oil Exploration in GazaBeyond natural gas, reports indicate that Israel has explored the possibility of offshore oil drilling in Palestinian-controlled areas. While oil reserves in Gaza are less documented than its gas fields, Israeli interest in energy exploration raises concerns over further** environmental degradation and economic exploitation.**Economic and Environmental ConsequencesEconomic Consequences The inability to exploit its own natural gas means **Gaza remains dependent on Israeli energy supplies, **which are often restricted or cut off at whim. Potential revenue from gas sales, estimated in the billions of dollars, could have funded infrastructure, healthcare, and development in Gaza. Israel’s control over these resources reinforces Palestinian economic stagnation and vulnerability. Environmental Consequences Any unauthorized Israeli drilling and extraction risks polluting Gaza’s coastline and disrupting marine ecosystems. Oil and gas extraction, if improperly managed, could lead to oil spills, gas leaks, and long-term ecological damage in Palestinian waters. By denying Palestinians control, Israel prevents the development of environmentally sustainable energy policies in Gaza. The case of Gaza’s oil and gas reserves highlights the broader issue of resource exploitation in occupied territories. Israel’s control over these vital energy sources has deprived Palestinians of economic independence, reinforced dependence on Israeli energy supplies, and raised concerns about environmental degradation. Addressing this issue requires international intervention and legal accountability to ensure that Palestinians regain control over their natural wealth.Deforestation, Fruit Tree Theft, and Land DegradationIsraeli settlement expansion and military occupation have led to large-scale deforestation in Palestine. Olive groves, which are crucial for Palestinian livelihoods, have been systematically uprooted or burned by settlers and the Israeli military. Beyond destruction, reports indicate that Israeli entities have engaged in the systematic theft of Palestinian fruit-bearing trees, particularly olive trees, citrus trees, and date palms. These stolen trees are often transplanted into Israeli settlements or sold commercially for profit. The removal of these trees not only affects the Palestinian agricultural economy but also depletes the region’s biodiversity and accelerates desertification. The construction of the separation wall has further fragmented ecosystems and disrupted natural habitats, making it difficult for Palestinian farmers to access and tend to their lands.Air and Soil PollutionFrequent military strikes and the use of heavy artillery, including white phosphorus munitions in Gaza, have contaminated the soil and air, impacting public health and biodiversity. The destruction of waste treatment facilities in Gaza has resulted in the uncontrolled spread of hazardous materials. The use of phosphorus gas has exacerbated environmental and health risks, as it releases toxic chemicals that persist in the air and soil, further harming ecosystems and human populations.Environmental Impact in LebanonOil Spill and Marine PollutionOne of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in Lebanon occurred during the 2006 war, when Israeli airstrikes targeted the Jiyyeh power station, causing a massive oil spill along Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast. This spill devastated marine life and severely compromised the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing.Forest Fires and Land DegradationIsraeli shelling and airstrikes have led to extensive wildfires in southern Lebanon, destroying large forested areas. These fires have further contributed to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The use of cluster munitions has left unexploded ordnance scattered across agricultural lands, posing risks to farmers and restricting land use.**Phosphorus Gas Usage**Reports indicate that Israeli forces have used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon, particularly during the 2006 war. The use of this incendiary substance has led to severe environmental and health hazards, contaminating soil and water sources, and causing long-term ecological damage.Effects of White Phosphorus on the EnvironmentAir Pollution and Toxic EmissionsWhen white phosphorus burns, it releases toxic phosphorus pentoxide, which reacts with moisture in the air to form corrosive phosphoric acid. This leads to: Severe air pollution, particularly in areas where phosphorus munitions are used extensively. Respiratory problems in exposed populations due to inhalation of toxic fumes. Acidic rainfall, which can damage crops, contaminate water sources, and degrade soil quality over time. Soil and Water Contamination Phosphorus residue can seep into the soil, making agricultural land infertile and contaminating groundwater. Rainwater can carry phosphorus particles into rivers and reservoirs, polluting drinking water sources. Toxic runoff from phosphorus-affected areas can disrupt local ecosystems, harming wildlife and fisheries. Human Health ConsequencesIt is estimated that the lethal dose of white phosphorus in humans is 0.1 grams, but even a much smaller amount can have adverse effects on people including: Severe burns: White phosphorus sticks to human skin, causing deep burns that are difficult to treat. Chronic respiratory diseases: Inhalation of phosphorus fumes can lead to lung damage, chronic coughing, and long-term breathing issues. Neurological damage: Long-term exposure has been linked to neurological disorders and cognitive impairments. Damage to vital organs: Exposure to white phosphorus is also linked to **kidney and liver failure and gastrointestinal irritation **as well. Increased cancer risk: Studies suggest exposure to phosphorus combustion byproducts may increase the likelihood of certain cancers. Measuring Air Quality in Phosphorus-Affected Areas1. Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors – Detecting Airborne Phosphorus ParticlesExample: The PurpleAir PA-II Sensor, used globally for real-time air quality monitoring, can detect fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that may contain phosphorus residues. Similar sensors have been deployed in Gaza and Lebanon by environmental organizations to measure pollution from conflict zones.✅ Application in Lebanon: These sensors can be placed in bombed areas to detect phosphorus dust and track its spread. Data can help assess how far toxic particles travel and how long they remain in the air.2. Chemical Gas Analyzers – Measuring Phosphorus Pentoxide and Acidic CompoundsExample: The Thermo Scientific Model 43i SO₂ Analyzer can measure sulfur dioxide and phosphorus oxides, which are byproducts of white phosphorus combustion. Gas analyzers like this have been used in Iraq and Syria to monitor chemical weapon residues.✅ Application in Lebanon: After phosphorus bombings, these analyzers can detect toxic gases lingering in the air, confirming environmental contamination and assessing health risks.3. Satellite Imaging and Remote Sensing – Tracking Pollution and Fire-Related EmissionsExample: **NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) **has been used to monitor fire emissions and air pollution from forest fires, wars, and industrial explosions. The Sentinel-5P satellite (operated by the European Space Agency) can detect airborne chemicals, including phosphorus-related pollutants.✅** Application in Lebanon:** Satellite data can show where phosphorus munitions were used, the scale of air pollution, and how long contamination persists. This method has already been used to track oil spill pollution from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s Jiyyeh power plant in 2006. **4. Groundwater and Soil Testing – Detecting Phosphorus Contamination in Land and Water**Example: The ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) technique has been used to detect heavy metal contamination in war zones, including Gaza. Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L) has conducted soil and water quality assessments after Israeli bombings. ✅ **Application in Lebanon: **After phosphorus munitions are used, soil and groundwater samples can be tested for phosphorus compounds. This can confirm contamination levels in farmlands and drinking water sources, affecting agriculture and human health.International agencies, including the UN and environmental monitoring organizations, could deploy these methods to document the long-term consequences of phosphorus weapon use in Lebanon.The use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military in Lebanon has had severe environmental, health, and ecological consequences. Toxic emissions contribute to air pollution, soil degradation, and water contamination, while exposed populations suffer from chronic illnesses and long-term health risks. Conducting air quality and soil contamination assessments is essential to quantify the full impact and push for accountability under international law.Environmental Impact in SyriaDestruction of Agricultural Lands and Water Resource Control in SyriaDestruction of Agricultural Lands in the Golan HeightsThe Golan Heights, a fertile and strategic plateau occupied by Israel since 1967, has faced extensive environmental destruction due to Israeli military operations. Syrian officials and environmental organizations have reported severe damage to farmland caused by: Airstrikes and Bombardment – Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian infrastructure and military positions have also impacted farmlands, orchards, and grazing areas. Explosions cause soil degradation, destroy crops, and leave behind unexploded ordnance that makes agricultural activities hazardous.Example: In multiple strikes on Syrian territories near the Golan Heights, Israeli missiles have set farmland ablaze, reducing agricultural productivity. Land Confiscation and Settlement Expansion – Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights have expanded, displacing Syrian farmers and reducing the available land for local agricultural production.Example: The Israeli government has promoted new settlements such as Trump Heights, further restricting access to farmlands for displaced Syrian families. Military Exercises and Land Degradation – The Israeli military frequently conducts live-fire exercises in parts of the Golan Heights, which result in: Soil contamination from spent ammunition. Fires caused by explosions, further damaging local ecosystems and farmland. Erosion due to heavy military vehicle movement, making it harder to cultivate crops. The destruction of Syrian farmland has led to:✅ Loss of food security, as Syria depends on the Golan for fruit, grains, and livestock grazing.✅ Economic hardship for farmers who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.✅ Long-term environmental damage, including desertification and reduced soil fertility.Water Resource Control and Its Impact on Syrian CommunitiesThe Golan Heights is a vital water source, as it supplies the Jordan River, Yarmouk River, and Sea of Galilee, making it one of the most strategically important regions in the Middle East. Since Israel’s occupation, it has imposed severe restrictions on Syrian communities’ access to water, leading to drought and agricultural collapse. As of now, **Israel controls 40% of Jordan and Syria’s shared water resources. **1. Israeli Control of Springs, Rivers, and Aquifers The Banias and Dan Springs, which contribute to the Jordan River’s flow, have been heavily diverted by Israel. The Yarmouk River, which originally supplied water to both Syria and Jordan, has been partially controlled and redirected by and to Israel, reducing both Syrian and Jordanian water availability. 2. Water Theft by Israeli SettlementsIsraeli authorities are stealing water access for settlers in the Golan Heights, leaving Syrian villages with minimal or no water supply for drinking and irrigation.Example: Syrian farmers in the Golan struggle to irrigate their fields, while Israeli settlements enjoy advanced water infrastructure for agriculture and domestic use.3. Desertification and Agricultural Decline Without sufficient water, once-fertile Syrian lands in the Golan are turning into arid wastelands. Reduced water flow has led to lower crop yields and made livestock farming unsustainable.****Deforestation and loss of vegetation due to Israeli land seizures and military actions have worsened soil erosion. ✅ Impact on Local Farmers: Many Syrian Druze farmers in the Golan Heights have faced **increased water shortages **and have been forced to abandon their agricultural lands due to Israeli-imposed restrictions.✅ Political and Economic Consequences: Israel’s monopolization of Golan’s water has weakened Syrian agricultural independence and placed further strain on Syria’s war-torn economy.ConclusionIsraeli policies in the occupied Golan Heights have led to the systematic destruction of agricultural lands and severe water shortages for Syrian communities. Military operations, settlement expansion, and water control measures have turned once-productive lands into barren, drought-stricken areas. These actions exacerbate food insecurity, economic hardship, and environmental decline, further deepening the impact of Israel’s occupation on Syria’s rural populations.Satellite imagery has been instrumental in documenting the environmental and infrastructural impacts of military actions in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Below are specific examples illustrating these effects:Lebanon: Beirut Port Explosion (August 2020): Satellite images captured the extensive damage caused by the explosion at Beirut’s port, highlighting the widespread destruction of the surrounding area.The Express Tribune Southern Lebanon Airstrikes (2024): NASA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) detected numerous heat signatures in southern Lebanon, confirming intense airstrikes that significantly impacted the region. Sensex falls over 100 pts+1www.ndtv.com+1 Palestine (Gaza Strip): Destruction in Rafah (2024): Satellite imagery revealed vast destruction in Rafah following ground operations, with significant damage to residential areas and infrastructure. bellingcat Widespread Damage Across Gaza (2024): Maps, charts, and satellite images demonstrated extensive damage to buildings throughout the Gaza Strip since the onset of conflict. The Express Tribune+3The Guardian+3AP News+3 *Satellite images show destruction from Israel’s assault on Gaza *Israel’s Actions as Ecocide: The Environmental Destruction in Palestine, Lebanon, and SyriaBeyond the catastrophic loss of human life, Israel’s military actions and environmental policies amount to ecocide—the deliberate destruction of ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. The widespread devastation to land, water, and air in these regions has caused long-term, possibly irreversible, damage to the environment, affecting both people and wildlife for generations to come.1. Systematic Destruction of Farmlands and ForestsPalestine (West Bank & Gaza) Olive Tree Uprooting & Agricultural Sabotage: The Israeli military and settlers have destroyed over 800,000 olive trees in the West Bank since 1967. These trees are essential to Palestinian culture, economy, and environmental stability. Bombing of Gaza’s Agricultural Land: Repeated aerial bombardments and shelling have burned entire farmlands, rendering them infertile due to chemical contamination from explosives. Use of Herbicides to Destroy Crops: Israel has sprayed toxic herbicides along Gaza’s border, killing Palestinian crops under the pretext of clearing security zones. This has led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity. Lebanon Forest Fires Caused by Bombing: Israeli shelling in southern Lebanon has sparked wildfires that consume vast forested areas, leading to habitat loss and soil erosion. **Cluster Munitions Contaminating Land: **Unexploded Israeli cluster bombs from the 2006 war still litter fields, making large areas unsafe for farming and human habitation. Syria (Golan Heights) **Deforestation and Desertification: **Israeli policies have restricted Syrian farmers’ access to their land, leading to soil degradation and loss of tree cover. The conversion of agricultural lands into Israeli military zones has resulted in mass deforestation. Illegal Settler Agriculture: Israeli settlers exploit Syrian agricultural lands, redirecting water supplies for exclusive use in Israeli farms while Syrian farmers are denied access to irrigation. 2. Pollution of Water Sources and Deliberate Resource TheftPalestine (Gaza & West Bank) Water Apartheid in the West Bank: Israel diverts over 80% of Palestinian water resources for use by Israeli settlers, leaving Palestinian communities with severe water shortages.*** Destruction of Water Infrastructure in Gaza:** Israeli airstrikes have targeted Gaza’s water desalination plants, sewage treatment facilities, and wells, causing:✅ Toxic contamination of groundwater✅ Severe drinking water shortages (97% of Gaza’s water is undrinkable)✅ Widespread diseases due to waterborne pollutionLebanon Oil Spill Disaster from Israeli Strikes: In 2006, Israel bombed the Jiyyeh power plant, releasing 15,000 tons of oil into the Mediterranean Sea, devastating marine life and fisheries along Lebanon’s coast. Targeting of Dams and Water Networks: Israeli airstrikes have damaged water infrastructure, reducing Lebanon’s access to clean water and irrigation. Syria (Golan Heights) Theft of Water Resources: Israel has diverted water from the Banias and Dan rivers, which are crucial for Syrian agriculture, while settlers receive privileged access. **Water Pollution from Military Activity: **Israeli military zones in the Golan Heights have led to **chemical runoff and contamination of soil and water sources, **harming local wildlife and agriculture. 3. Air, Soil, and Chemical Contamination from Military WeaponsPhosphorus Gas and Toxic BombardmentIsrael’s use of white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon has led to:✅ Soil contamination, making agricultural land infertile✅ Airborne toxic chemicals, affecting human and animal health✅ Acid rain formation, further degrading water and land qualityLong-Term Effects on Ecosystems **Destruction of Pollinators (Bees, Birds, and Wildlife): **Bombings and deforestation have wiped out bee populations and migratory birds, disrupting natural pollination cycles and food production. Collapse of Marine Ecosystems: The Mediterranean coast has suffered massive fish die-offs due to oil spills, phosphorus contamination, and destruction of wastewater treatment plants. 4. The Definition of Ecocide: How Israel’s Actions QualifyUnder international law, ecocide is defined as: “Unlawful or wanton acts committed with the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and widespread damage to the environment.”*Israel’s military operations and policies in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria meet this definition because:✅ They systematically destroy natural ecosystems through bombings, land seizures, and resource theft.✅ They disproportionately target environmental infrastructure (water plants, farmlands, forests).✅ They cause long-term harm to biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience.Conclusion: Holding Israel Accountable for EcocideThe destruction of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian ecosystems is not merely collateral damage but a calculated strategy of environmental warfare. By depriving communities of their lands, water, and clean air, Israel’s actions have devastating consequences for both human populations and the planet.Call to Action:*** International organizations and environmental watchdogs must document and prosecute ecocide crimes in conflict zones. Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian communities deserve restoration efforts and reparations for environmental destruction. Global awareness and legal frameworks must be strengthened to prevent the weaponization of nature in warfare.** "
}
,
"relatedposts": [
{
"title" : "Legalized Occupation: Dissecting Israel’s Plan to Seize Gaza",
"author" : "EIP Editors",
"category" : "",
"url" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/readings/legalized-occupation-dissecting-israels-plan-to-seize-gaza",
"date" : "2025-08-09 10:13:00 -0400",
"img" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/uploads/EIP_Cover-Legalized_Occupation.jpg",
"excerpt" : "Israel’s newly approved plan to “take control” of Gaza City and other key areas of the enclave is being presented to the world as a security imperative. In reality, it is an extension of a long-standing settler-colonial project—another chapter in the ongoing dispossession of the Palestinian people.",
"content" : "Israel’s newly approved plan to “take control” of Gaza City and other key areas of the enclave is being presented to the world as a security imperative. In reality, it is an extension of a long-standing settler-colonial project—another chapter in the ongoing dispossession of the Palestinian people.The language of “control,” “buffer zones,” and “security perimeters” is not neutral. It is a calculated rhetorical strategy designed to obscure the material realities of occupation, annexation, and ethnic cleansing. This is not a temporary maneuver aimed at stability. It is the consolidation of power through the seizure of land, the dismantling of Palestinian civil society, and the deepening of Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe—all in violation of international law.The Political Calculus Behind the OperationTo understand the decision, we must first acknowledge its political function for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Facing mounting domestic discontent, the collapse of public trust, and arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for war crimes, Netanyahu is cornered. His far-right coalition partners demand an uncompromising expansionist agenda, and his own political survival depends on delivering it.Occupation has always been a cornerstone of this political project. By launching a military campaign to seize Gaza’s largest urban center, Netanyahu signals strength to his base while sidestepping accountability for the escalating humanitarian disaster. That disaster is not collateral damage—it is a form of collective punishment meant to force submission. It is also a bargaining chip: an occupied, starved, and displaced population is easier to control and harder to resist.A Continuation of the NakbaThis plan is not an anomaly; it is the latest manifestation of a decades-long pattern. Since the Nakba of 1948, the forced displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of their communities have been central tools of state policy. In Gaza today, we see the same logic: empty the land of its people, destroy the infrastructure of life, and claim it under the guise of security.International law is explicit: annexation through military force is illegal. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits collective punishment and the transfer of an occupying power’s civilian population into occupied territory. Yet, as with the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israel has consistently acted with impunity—shielded by the political, financial, and military backing of powerful allies.The Humanitarian FrontGaza has already been described by UN officials as a “graveyard for children.” The enclave’s population has endured a near-total blockade for 18 years, compounded by repeated bombardments that have destroyed hospitals, schools, and basic infrastructure. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced since the start of this latest escalation. Food insecurity is at catastrophic levels; medical supplies are almost nonexistent.Israel’s seizure of Gaza City—home to hundreds of thousands—will further collapse what remains of civilian life. Humanitarian organizations warn that the move will trigger mass displacement, deepen famine, and cut off the few remaining supply routes. These are not accidental outcomes. They are part of a strategy that weaponizes deprivation as a means of political control.Narrative as a BattlefieldThe battle over Gaza is not only military—it is discursive. The words chosen by political leaders and media outlets shape how the world understands, or misunderstands, what is unfolding. In Netanyahu’s framing, Israel is not occupying Gaza; it is “liberating” it from Hamas. In this telling, Palestinian civilians become invisible, reduced to collateral casualties in a counterterrorism campaign.This is why reframing is crucial. We must reject the sanitized vocabulary of “security zones” and “temporary control” and speak plainly: this is occupation, annexation, and the forcible seizure of Palestinian land. It is not liberation, it is domination. And it is not about peace, it is about power.Global ConnectionsIsrael’s actions in Gaza are not isolated from broader global struggles. From the forced removal of Indigenous peoples in North America to the apartheid regime in South Africa, the tactics of dispossession, militarization, and narrative control follow a familiar pattern. This is why solidarity movements around the world—led by Indigenous, Black, and other colonized peoples—see their own struggles reflected in Palestine’s.The link is not merely symbolic. Israel’s military technology, surveillance systems, and counterinsurgency tactics are exported globally, often marketed as “field-tested” in Gaza and the West Bank. These technologies underpin policing, border control, and repression from Ferguson to Kashmir. In this way, Gaza is both a site of profound local suffering and a laboratory for global authoritarianism.Discrediting the PlanIf the goal is to discredit this plan in the eyes of the international public, the strategy must be twofold: expose contradictions and center Palestinian agency.Expose contradictionsNetanyahu insists Israel does not seek to govern Gaza permanently, yet the seizure of land, establishment of military perimeters, and destruction of civilian infrastructure point toward long-term control.Israel claims to act in self-defense, yet the scale and method of its campaign far exceed any proportional response under international law.Center Palestinian agencyElevate Palestinian voices—journalists, doctors, teachers—who are documenting life under siege.Highlight grassroots forms of resilience and resistance that defy the portrayal of Palestinians as passive victims or inevitable threats.Name the enablersIdentify the governments, corporations, and financial institutions providing material or diplomatic cover for the occupation.Show how this complicity undermines their stated commitments to human rights and international law.Connect to global strugglesFrame Gaza as part of a worldwide resistance to settler colonialism, authoritarianism, and militarized capitalism.Build coalitions across movements to break the isolation that occupation depends upon.Everything Is PoliticalFrom a political-analyst perspective, the key insight is that this is not simply a geopolitical crisis—it is a crisis of narrative. If we accept the occupying power’s framing, we have already conceded the first battle. That is why the work of reframing—naming what is happening, connecting it to historical patterns, and centering the perspectives of the colonized—is not ancillary to the struggle; it is the struggle.In the end, Israel’s plan to seize Gaza is not about security—it is about sovereignty. Not Palestinian sovereignty, but the sovereignty of a state built on the denial of another people’s right to exist on their land. That is the truth the world must see clearly, and that is the truth we must continue to tell, relentlessly, until occupation becomes not a political fact but a historical memory."
}
,
{
"title" : "Ziad Rahbani and the Art of Creative Rebellion",
"author" : "Céline Semaan",
"category" : "essays",
"url" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/readings/ziad-rahbani-creative-rebellion",
"date" : "2025-07-28 07:01:00 -0400",
"img" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/uploads/2025_7_for-EIP-ziad-rahbani.jpg",
"excerpt" : "When I turned fourteen in Beirut, I came across Ziad Rahbani’s groundbreaking work. I immediately felt connected to him, his words, his perspective and his unflinching commitment to liberation for our people and for Palestine. My first love introduced me to his revolutionary plays, his unique contributions to Arab music and very soon I had listened to all of his plays and expanded my understanding of our own culture and history.",
"content" : "When I turned fourteen in Beirut, I came across Ziad Rahbani’s groundbreaking work. I immediately felt connected to him, his words, his perspective and his unflinching commitment to liberation for our people and for Palestine. My first love introduced me to his revolutionary plays, his unique contributions to Arab music and very soon I had listened to all of his plays and expanded my understanding of our own culture and history.Ziad Rahbani’s passing marks more than the end of a brilliant life—it marks the closing of a chapter in the cultural history of our region. His funeral wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a collective reckoning; crowds following his exit from the hospital to the cemetery. The streets knew what many governments tried to forget: that he gave voice to the people’s truths, to our frustrations, our absurdities, our grief, and our undying hope for justice. Yet he died as an unsung hero.Born into a family that shaped the musical soul of Lebanon, Ziad could have taken the easy path of replication. Instead, he shattered the mold. From his early plays like Sahriyye and Nazl el-Surour, he upended the elitism of classical Arabic theatre by placing the working class, the absurdity of war, and the contradictions of society at the center of his work. He spoke like the people spoke. He made art in the language of the taxi driver, the student, the mother waiting for news of her son.In his film work Film Ameriki Tawil, Ziad used satire not only as critique, but as rebellion. He exposed the rot of sectarian politics in Lebanon with surgical precision, never sparing anyone, including the leftist circles he moved in. He saw clearly: that political purity was a myth, and liberation required uncomfortable truths. His work, deeply rooted in class consciousness, refused to glorify any side of a war that tore his country apart.And yet, Ziad Rahbani never lost his clarity on Palestine. While others wavered, diluted their positions, or folded into diplomacy, Ziad remained steadfast. His support for the Palestinian struggle was not an aesthetic position—it was a political and ethical commitment. And he did so not as an outsider or savior, but as someone who understood that our futures are intertwined. That the liberation of Palestine is integral to the liberation of Lebanon. That anti-sectarianism and anti-Zionism are not contradictions, but extensions of each other.He brought jazz into Arabic music not as a novelty, but as a defiant act of cultural fusion—proof that our identities are not fixed, but fluid, diasporic, ever-evolving. He blurred the lines between Western musical forms and Arabic lyricism with intention, not mimicry. His collaborations with his mother, the legendary Fairuz, carried the weight of generational dialogue, but his own voice always broke through—wry, melancholic, grounded in the everyday.Ziad taught us that being a revolutionary doesn’t require a uniform or a slogan. It requires listening. It requires holding complexity, laughing in the face of despair, and making room for joy even when the world is on fire. He reminded us that culture is the deepest infrastructure of any resistance movement. He refused to be sanitized, censored, or simplified.As we mourn him, we also inherit his clarity. For artists, for organizers, for thinkers: Ziad Rahbani gave us a blueprint. Create without permission. Tell the truth. Fight for Palestine without compromising your own roots. And never forget that the people will always hear what is real.He was, and will always be, a compass for creative rebellion."
}
,
{
"title" : "Saul Williams: Nothing is Just a Song",
"author" : "Saul Williams, Collis Browne",
"category" : "interviews",
"url" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/readings/saul-williams-interview",
"date" : "2025-07-21 21:35:46 -0400",
"img" : "https://everythingispolitical.com/uploads/EIP_SaulWilliams_Shot_7_0218.jpg",
"excerpt" : "Saul Williams: Many artists would like to believe that there is some sort of sublime neutrality that art can deliver, that it is beyond or above the idea of politics. However, art is sometimes used as a tool of Empire, and if we are not careful, then our art is used as propaganda, and thus, it becomes essential for us to arm our art with our viewpoints, with our perspective, so that it cannot be misused. I have always operated from the position that all my work carries politics in it, that there are politics embedded in it. And I’ve never really understood, if you are aiming to be an artist, why you wouldn’t aim to speak directly to the times. Addressing the political doesn’t have to take away from the personal intimacy of your work.",
"content" : "Collis Browne: Is all music and art really political?Saul Williams: Many artists would like to believe that there is some sort of sublime neutrality that art can deliver, that it is beyond or above the idea of politics. However, art is sometimes used as a tool of Empire, and if we are not careful, then our art is used as propaganda, and thus, it becomes essential for us to arm our art with our viewpoints, with our perspective, so that it cannot be misused. I have always operated from the position that all my work carries politics in it, that there are politics embedded in it. And I’ve never really understood, if you are aiming to be an artist, why you wouldn’t aim to speak directly to the times. Addressing the political doesn’t have to take away from the personal intimacy of your work.Even now, we are reading the writings of Palestinian poets in Gaza and the West Bank, not to mention those who are part of the diaspora, who are charting their feelings and intimate experiences while living through a genocide. These works of art are all politically charged because they are charged with a reality that is fully suppressed by oppressive networks and powers that control them.Shakespeare’s work was always political. He found a way to speak about power to the face of power, knowing they would be in the audience. But also found a way to play with and talk to the “groundlings,” the common people who were in the audience as well.Collis Browne: Was there a moment when you realized that your music could be used as a tool of resistance?Saul Williams: Yeah, I was in third grade, about eight or nine years old. I had been cast in a play in my elementary school. I loved the process of not only performing, but of sitting around the table and breaking down what the language meant and what the objective and the psychology of the character was, and what that meant during the time it was written. I came home and told my parents that I wanted to be an actor when I grew up. My father had the typical response: “I’ll support you as an actor if you get a law degree.” My mother responded by saying, “You should do your next school report on Paul Robeson, he was an actor and a lawyer.”So I did my next school report on Paul Robeson. And what I discovered was that here was an African American man, born in 1898, who had come to an early realization as an actor that the messages of the films he was being cast in—and he was a huge star—went against his own beliefs, his own anti-colonial and anti-imperial beliefs. In the 1930s, he started talking about why we needed to invest in independent cinema. In 1949, during the McCarthy era, he had his passport taken from him so he could no longer travel outside of the US, because he refused to acknowledge that the enemies of the US were his enemies as well. He felt there was no reason Black people should be signing up to fight for the US Empire when they were going home and getting lynched.In 1951, he presented a mandate to the UN called “We Charge Genocide.” In it he charged the US Government with the genocide of African Americans because of the white mobs who were lynching Black Americans on a regular basis. [Editor’s note: the petition charges the US Government with genocide through the endorsement of both racism and “monopoly capitalism,” without which “the persistent, constant, widespread, institutionalized commission of the crime of genocide would be impossible.”] When Robeson met with President Truman, Truman said, “I’d like to respond, but there’s an election coming up, so I have to be careful.”Paul Robeson sang songs of working-class people, songs that trade unionists sang, songs that miners sang, songs that all types of workers sang across the world. He identified with the workers and with the working class, regardless of his fame. He was ridiculed by the American Government and even had his passport revoked for his activism. At that early age, I learned that you could sing songs that could get you labeled as an enemy of the state.I grew up in Newburgh, New York, which is about an hour upstate from New York City. One of my neighbors would often come sing at my father’s church. At the time, I did not understand why my dad would allow this white guy with his guitar or banjo to come sing at our church when we had an amazing gospel choir. I couldn’t understand why we were singing these school songs with this dude. When I finally asked my parents, they said, “You have to understand that Pete—they were talking about Pete Seeger—is responsible for popularizing some of the songs you sing in school.” He wrote songs like “If I Had a Hammer,” and he too was blacklisted by the US government because of the songs he chose to sing and the people he chose to sing them for, and the people he chose to sing them with. I learned at a very early age that music and art were full of politics. Enough politics to get you labeled as the enemy of the state. Enough politics to get your passport taken, or to be imprisoned.I was also learning about my parents’ peers, artists whom they loved and adored. Artists like Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, and Nikki Giovanni, all from the Black Arts Movement. Larry Neal and Amiri Baraka made a statement when they started the Black Arts Repertory Theatre School in Harlem that said essentially that all art should serve a function, and that function should be to liberate Black minds.It is from that movement that hip-hop was born. I was lucky enough to witness the birth of hip-hop. At first, it was playful, it was fun, but by the mid to late 1980s, it began finding its voice with groups like Public Enemy, KRS-One, Queen Latifa, Rakim, and the Jungle Brothers. These are groups that started using and expressing Black Liberation politics in the music, which uplifted it, made it sound better, and made it hit harder. The first gangster rap was that… when it was gangster, when it was directly challenging the country it was being born in.As a teenager, I identified as a rapper and an actor. I would argue with school kids who insisted, “It’s not even music. They’re just talking.” I would have to defend hip-hop as music, sometimes even to my parents, who found the language crass. But when I played artists like KRS-One and Public Enemy for my parents, they said, “Oh, I see what they’re doing here.”When Public Enemy rapped, “Elvis was a hero to most, But he never meant shit to me you see, Straight up racist that sucker was, Simple and plain, Motherfuck him and John Wayne, ‘Cause I’m Black and I’m proud, I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped, Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps,” my parents were like Amen. They understood. They understood why I needed to blast that music in my room 24/7. They understood.When the music spoke to me in that way, suddenly I could pull off moves on the dance floor like doing a flip that I couldn’t do before. That’s the power of music. That’s power embedded in music. That’s why Fela Kuti said that music is the weapon of the future. And, of course, there’s Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. What’s Billie Holiday’s most memorable song? “Strange Fruit.” That voice connected, was speaking directly to the times she was living in. It transcended the times, where to this day, when you hear this song and you understand that the “strange fruit” hanging from Southern trees are Black people who have been lynched, you understand how the power of the voice, when you connect it to something that is charged with the reality of the times, takes on a greater shape.Collis Browne: Public Enemy broke open so much. I grew up in Toronto, in a mostly white community, but I was into some of the bigger American hip-hop acts who were coming out. Public Enemy rose to a new level. Before them, we were only connecting with punk and hardcore music as the music of rebellion.Saul Williams: Public Enemy laid down the groundwork for what hip-hop is: “the voice of the voiceless.” It was only after Public Enemy that you saw the emergence of huge groups in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Egypt, and across the world. There were big acts before them. Run DMC, for instance, but when Public Enemy came out, marginalized groups heard their music and said, “That’s for us. Yes, that’s for us.” It was immediately understood as music of resistance.Collis Browne: What have you seen or listened to out in the world that has a clear political goal, but has been appropriated and watered down?Saul Williams: We can stay on Public Enemy for that. Under Secretary Blinken, Chuck D became a US Global Music Ambassador during the genocide in Gaza. There are photos of him standing beside Secretary Blinken, accepting that role, while understanding that the US has always used music as a cultural propaganda tool to express soft power. I remember learning about how the US uses this “soft power” when I was working in the mid-2000s with a Swiss composer, who has now passed, named Thomas Kessler. He wrote a symphony based on one of my books, Said the Shotgun to the Head, and we were performing it with the Cologne, Germany symphony orchestra, when I heard from the head of the orchestra that, in fact, their main financier was the US Government through the CIA.During the Cold War, it was crucial for the American Government to put money into the arts throughout Western Europe to try to express this idea of “freedom,” as opposed to what was happening in the Eastern (Communist) Bloc. So it was a long time between when the US Government started enlisting musicians and other artists in their propaganda campaigns and when I encountered this information.There’s a documentary called Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, which talks about how the US Government used (uses) music and musicians to co-opt movements and propagate the idea of American freedom and democracy outside the US in the hope of winning over the citizens of other countries without them even realizing that so much of that art is there to question the system itself, not to celebrate it. Unfortunately, there are situations in which an artist’s work is co-opted to be used as propaganda, and the artist buys into it. They become indoctrinated, and you realize that we’re all susceptible to the possibility of taking that bait."
}
]
}