Gaza Tribunal: Unveiling Hidden Histories

Dr. Wissam Atallah’s reflection on the Gaza Justice Inquiry brings us into the depths of memory, family, and identity. As we navigate the intricacies of Gaza’s past, it becomes clear that every story—especially the tale of his grandmother from Damra—reveals more than just geographic loss; it exposes the essence of being. Indeed, this perspective allows us to understand that beyond physical displacement lies a relentless yearning for home. What is it that drives individuals back to war-torn soil, even amid ruins? It’s an affirmation of existence, a defiance against erasure! Dr. Wissam urges us to witness the continuous struggles from the Nakba to the ongoing occupation, emphasizing that each narrative weaves a larger tapestry of resilience and justice—a tapestry that demands recognition globally.

This alters the terrain decisively, the discourse surrounding Gaza cannot be isolated to isolated incidents like October 7th. Instead, we must grapple with the history of systematic oppression and the overarching narrative that has lingered for decades. As Dr. Wissam articulates, this enduring fight for justice is not merely legal—it’s deeply rooted in the collective memory of a people. In his view, recognizing this struggle as part of the Gaza Justice Inquiry is fundamental. Thus, we face an undeniable challenge: how do we respond to the silent demands of those who continue to fight for their rights? Ultimately, we must confront our own complicity in these injustices and consider what it means for our shared humanity and moral compass.

Echoes of Displacement: The Story of Damra

Dr. Wissam Atallah often reflects on his grandmother’s story, which illustrates the deep roots of displacement. Born in 1922, she lived in Damra, a village that once thrived in northern Gaza. Now, that same land bears the name Erez, known solely as a military checkpoint. For Dr. Wissam, this transformation symbolizes something far more profound than mere geography. It represents the erasure of a rich history and the memories that once flourished there.

His grandmother often recounted tales of hardship under the British Mandate. Armed militias and settlers encroached upon their land, while Palestinian farmers faced crippling taxes. Families who cultivated wheat and citrus found themselves stripped of their livelihoods. When the Nakba unfolded in 1948, Arab armies urged villagers to evacuate for just “two weeks,” promising a swift return. However, those two weeks transformed into decades of exile. The key she carried became a powerful symbol—a reminder of lost promises and the betrayal of history.

October 7th: A Misleading Narrative

Currently, Israeli leaders frame the conflict around the events of October 7th. Dr. Wissam sees this as a deliberate distortion of history. “Our struggle did not begin on that day,” he argues, emphasizing that the roots of resistance extend back decades. Even the UN Secretary-General acknowledged the longstanding context behind the violence. This narrative reduction oversimplifies a complex history, ignoring the suffering faced by Palestinians long before that date.

He recalls significant moments etched into collective memory, like the First Intifada in 1987, when children confronted soldiers with stones. The image of Muhammad al-Durrah, a boy shot while clinging to his father, haunts many. More recently, the desperate voice of Hind Rajab, a child begging for help before her tragic death, resonates. “There were no rockets in their hands,” he insists. Just innocent lives caught in the crossfire. October 7th should not serve as an excuse for further violence; it merely represents another chapter in a long and painful narrative.

Resilience Amidst Destruction

In January 2025, amidst a brief pause in hostilities, people from southern Gaza made their way back north. They faced the daunting reality of their homes reduced to rubble. More than 100,000 tons of explosives had devastated the landscape, creating a scene reminiscent of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite the absence of electricity, schools, and hospitals, they returned. For many, this act wasn’t about comfort; it was about claiming their home, refusing to let go of their roots.

Dr. Wissam views this return as an act of defiance, rather than nostalgia. International law recognizes forced displacement as a war crime, and Palestinians resist by asserting their right to remain. “To remain on the land,” he explains, “is to remain alive as a people.” In Gaza, survival transcends biological existence; it embodies a political statement against history repeating itself. The resilience of the people shines through the debris. In their determination lies hope, a flicker of light in the darkest of times.

A Struggle for Justice and Memory

Dr. Wissam emphasizes that the Palestinian struggle encompasses both legal and generational dimensions. It revolves around defending land and preserving memory. “Rights do not expire,” he asserts with conviction. The will of Palestinians to exist remains unbroken. Every march, every court ruling, every testimony serves as a seed for the future. They plant these seeds with the hope that one day justice will bloom. Source

He concludes with a stark reminder: silence equals complicity. “What’s at stake is not just Gaza’s survival,” he warns. “It’s the survival of law, morality, and humanity itself.” Palestinians will never relinquish their rights, and the world must not turn its back on justice. Thank you for bearing witness to these stories, for every voice matters in the fight for truth and justice. Together, we can amplify the call for humanity.

 

Gaza News