‘Many of us in Israel live in a state of shock at the savagery’: veteran director Amos Gitai returns to Gaza

The latest film from Israeli director Amos Gitai, “The Road to Jericho,” has brought international attention to the small Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar. However, this is no isolated incident – it’s a symptom of a broader pattern of dispossession and displacement that has been unfolding in the occupied West Bank for decades.

Khan al-Ahmar sits on Highway-1, a main route between Jerusalem and Jericho, and its residents have been struggling to maintain their homes against the Israeli authorities’ determination to demolish them. The school at the village center – a fragile construction made of rubber, wood, and adobe – is a symbol of resistance to settler violence and a test of international commitment to protecting Palestinian rights.

The story of Khan al-Ahmar is not just about one village or even one people; it’s about the erasure of entire communities from the landscape of Palestine. The Israeli government has been incrementally taking control of land, water resources, and infrastructure in the West Bank, slowly displacing Palestinians from their ancestral homes. This process has been facilitated by international complicity, with Western governments often prioritizing economic interests over human rights.

Gitai’s film highlights European efforts to stand up for Khan al-Ahmar – but it also raises questions about what this means for other communities fighting for survival. Can we expect a sustained commitment to protecting Palestinian rights? The answer lies not just in government actions, but also in how international institutions and civil society organizations respond to these crises.

The struggle over Khan al-Ahmar has been ongoing for eight years now, with the Israeli authorities threatening demolition at every turn. However, it’s not just about the physical presence of the village – it’s about the rights of its residents to education, healthcare, and a safe place to live. The school in Khan al-Ahmar is more than just a building; it’s a testament to the resilience of Palestinian communities in the face of overwhelming oppression.

The international community has a complex history when it comes to Palestine. From the 1948 Nakba to the present day, Western powers have consistently failed to uphold their obligations under international law. Yet there are signs that attitudes may be shifting – and Khan al-Ahmar could be a turning point in this process.

As we watch Gitai’s film and follow the latest developments from Khan al-Ahmar, it’s essential to remember the broader context of Israel’s occupation. The displacement of Palestinians is not just a humanitarian issue; it’s also a key driver of conflict in the region. By understanding the root causes of this crisis, we can work towards a more sustainable solution – one that prioritizes justice, equality, and human rights for all.

The fate of Khan al-Ahmar remains uncertain, but its story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice. As Gitai himself notes, “Many of us in Israel live in a state of shock at the savagery” – a testament to the need for collective action and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable communities on earth.