Overview
Decades before the recent eruption of war in Israel and Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a source of confusion and conflicting narratives. In an effort to shed light on this complex issue, a group of authors, including scholars, historians, memoirists, and novelists, have compiled a reading list of essential books that provide insight into the complexities and human toll of the conflict.
The Essential Books
Here are some of the books recommended by the authors:
O Jerusalem! By Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins
A meticulously detailed oral history of the founding of Israel, this book provides a comprehensive portrait of heroism and struggle from all sides. It is considered essential reading for understanding the conflict, despite being incomplete due to the revelation of new source material over the years.
1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War By Benny Morris
This comprehensive history delves into the first Arab-Israeli war, which was a turning point in the conflict. It explores the creation of Israel, the war itself, and the mass evacuation of Palestinians known as the Nakba. Benny Morris’ work is highly regarded, providing a foundation for understanding the conflict.
A Tale of Love and Darkness By Amos Oz
Amos Oz’s magisterial memoir offers a personal perspective of growing up in Israel before, during, and after 1948. It covers the cultural legacy of the Holocaust, the United Nations’ approval of the Israeli state, and Oz’s own family story, including his mother’s suicide. The book provides a unique insight into the historical and personal aspects of the conflict.
Arabesques By Anton Shammas
This brilliant novel, written by an Israeli Christian Arab, presents a fictional account of the conflict from a Palestinian point of view. It explores a rural family story and expands to include the protagonist’s experiences in Europe and the U.S., which leads to a questioning of the narratives he has encountered.
Gaza: A History By Jean-Pierre Filiu
This excellent book provides a comprehensive history of Gaza, going back centuries before the recent conflict. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the region’s past as a perennial borderland, shaped by various empires and civilizations. This historical context is crucial for understanding the modern conflict.
The Gates of Gaza: Israel’s Road to Suez and Back, 1955-57 By Mordechai Bar-On
This history focuses on the origins of the 1956 Israel-Egypt war, with a particular emphasis on the Gaza Strip and its Palestinian refugee population. It offers a close account of the conflict that laid the foundations for Gaza as a perpetual flashpoint.
Footnotes in Gaza By Joe Sacco
In this powerful graphic novel, Joe Sacco uncovers an Israeli massacre in Gaza in 1956 while depicting the present-day lives of the people in Rafah and Khan Younis. The graphic novel format proves that serious material can be conveyed through comics, making it a breakthrough work of reportage.
The Bride and the Dowry By Avi Raz
Avi Raz’s penetrating work of history explores Israel’s expansion beyond internationally recognized borders. It examines how this expansion was a bargain made without sufficient forethought, leading to a cycle of conflict and oppression. It provides valuable insight into the central dilemma faced by Israeli leaders after the 1967 war.
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine By Rashid Khalidi
Rashid Khalidi’s brave and magisterial book offers an outstanding historical scholarship and a fascinating narrative. It examines the policies of Palestinian, Zionist, and American leaders, drawing lessons from the past for a more hopeful future. It is considered accessible, lucid, meticulous, and indispensable.
After the Last Sky By Edward W. Said
This book by the late Edward W. Said, a Palestinian Christian-born scholar, explores the multifariousness of Palestinian experiences through a series of essays and accompanying photographs. It provides a tender and insightful exploration of Palestinian identity and the impact of colonization.
The Gaza Strip: The Political Economy of De-Development By Sara Roy
This groundbreaking book by Sara Roy, a Jewish scholar and daughter of Holocaust survivors, traces the history of Gaza and its systematic economic stagnation under Israeli control. It sheds light on the factors that have contributed to the current state of the region and challenges misconceptions about the people living there.
Hamas Contained By Tareq Baconi
Tareq Baconi’s inside account of Hamas tracks its transformation from a fringe group to a governing body. It explores the internal dynamics, paradoxes, and decision-making processes of Hamas. While recent events have challenged some aspects of the book, it remains authoritative and incisive.
A Rebel in Gaza: Behind the Lines of the Arab Spring, One Woman’s Story By Asmaa Ghoul and Selim Nassib
This memoir follows Asmaa Ghoul’s journey as a secular journalist and activist in Gaza. It provides a unique perspective, as Ghoul opposes both Hamas and Fatah. The book offers a firsthand account of life during Israel’s bombardment of Gaza in 2014 and captures the challenges faced by Palestinians within and outside the strip.
So What: New and Selected Poems, 1971-2005 By Taha Muhammad Ali
Taha Muhammad Ali’s poetry offers a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of the conflict. His work reflects on longing, desire, and the enduring impact of hate. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to convey the human experience.
Conclusion
While this reading list is by no means exhaustive, it provides a starting point for those interested in understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These books offer diverse perspectives and shed light on the complexities and historical context of the conflict.
