Contemporary Political Studies

Contemporary Political Studies

The course of evolution in the concept of the Palestinian cause

Document Type : .

Author
Assistant Professor, Institute for Political Studies and International Relations, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
Abstract
Abstract
The Palestinian issue is a complex yet central concern in the Islamic world and one of the most critical unresolved political, security, and social challenges in contemporary history. Despite enduring persistence and resistance, the Palestinian people have suffered the occupation of their land, plunder, persecution, and continuous violation of their natural and human rights due to colonial projects, global powers' interference, and the strategic weaknesses of the Islamic and Arab world. Many Palestinians remain refugees, displaced, and stateless. The establishment of the Israeli state has perpetuated a philosophy of occupation, violence, and crisis in Palestinian territories. Achieving peace, justice, and a dignified future for Palestinians, based on their national identity, requires a solution encompassing their fundamental and legitimate rights. Understanding the Palestinian cause—as a symbol of Palestinian national and international identity—and examining its conceptual and practical evolution is essential for devising a fair resolution. This study aims to analyze the semantic evolution of the Palestinian cause at local, regional, and international levels through critical metaphor analysis, connecting its historical roots to the present and future.
Keywords: Palestinian Cause, Resistance, Occupation, Displacement, Identity, Critical Metaphor Analysis.
 
 
 
 
Introduction
The Palestinian cause, as one of the most enduring and complex issues of the modern era, holds significant implications for political, social, and religious discourses worldwide. Rooted in colonial interference and strategic weaknesses within the Islamic world, this issue transcends local boundaries, impacting regional and global dynamics. The establishment of Israel in 1948 catalyzed systematic challenges, such as land occupation, identity erosion, and displacement, necessitating a multidimensional analysis to uncover pathways toward justice and stability.
 
Materials & Methods
 This research employs critical metaphor analysis (CMA) to explore the semantic and ideological transformations of the Palestinian cause. CMA enables a nuanced understanding of the embedded ideologies and worldviews reflected in discourses at three levels: local, regional, and international. The methodological framework involves identifying, interpreting, and explaining metaphors that shape perceptions and policies surrounding the Palestinian issue.
 
Discussions and Results
The findings reveal a dynamic evolution in the concept of the Palestinian cause. Locally, it manifests as resistance and identity preservation. Regionally, it symbolizes broader Arab and Islamic unity against colonial and Zionist expansion. Internationally, the cause reflects broader struggles for justice, human rights, and anti-colonial movements. These interconnected dimensions highlight the Palestinian cause as a fluid and adaptive narrative responding to changing geopolitical and socio-cultural landscapes.
Analyzing the Palestinian cause through CMA provides critical insights into its role as a cultural and political metaphor. The concept serves as a unifying symbol for diverse struggles, from anti-imperialist movements to human rights advocacy. However, its evolution also underscores challenges, including ideological fragmentation and external interference, which complicate achieving a cohesive resolution.
 
Conclusion
The Palestinian cause represents more than a localized struggle; it is a testament to resilience, identity, and the universal quest for justice. Understanding its multifaceted nature and evolving semantics is crucial for fostering informed dialogue and sustainable solutions. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing such deeply rooted and complex issues.
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