An Invisible Hand in Gaza’s Cage
In the intricate and deeply troubling dynamics of Gaza’s isolation, the European Union (EU) has played an integral yet underexamined role. Despite its stated mission of fostering peace and ensuring human rights, the EU’s involvement in the Rafah border arrangements has inadvertently empowered Israel to maintain a tight grip on Gaza’s access to the outside world. This is a sobering reality in 2024, as Gaza continues to face staggering levels of humanitarian crisis.
Cultural Propaganda
Israel’s government openly acknowledges its use of cultural initiatives to promote its image and divert attention from its apartheid policies. Former Israeli Foreign Ministry official Nissim Ben-Sheetrit admitted, “We see culture as a propaganda tool of the first rank, and do not differentiate between propaganda and culture.” This strategy, known as the “Brand Israel” campaign, seeks to present Israel as a beacon of civilization and culture while masking its oppressive actions against Palestinians.
