Palestine is Still the Issue (2002)
Palestine Is Still the Issue is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the ongoing complexities of the Middle East conflict. Written and presented by the acclaimed journalist John Pilger, the film seeks to unravel the reasons behind the elusive peace in the region.
Synopsis:
In this 53-minute exploration, Pilger returns to the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza, revisiting the same locations he documented in a film with the same title back in 1977. The fundamental issues remain unchanged: a desperate, destitute Palestinian population whose homeland is illegally occupied by the world’s 19th-largest military power.
The heart of the documentary lies in its interviews. Pilger engages with a diverse array of voices, both Israeli and Palestinian, to provide a multifaceted perspective. Here are some key interviewees:
- Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi: Representing the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees.
- Professor Ilan Pappe: An Israeli historian who offers critical insights.
- Liana Badr: Director at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture.
- Dori Gold: Senior Adviser to the Israeli Prime Minister.
- Moshe Dann: An Israeli writer.
- Dr. Khaled Dahlan: Involved in the Gaza Community Health Project.
- Dr. Mona Al Farra: A Palestinian doctor.
- Ishay Rosen-Zvi: A former Israeli soldier.
- Lama Hourani: A Palestinian resident of Gaza.
- Amjad Abu Laban: Another Palestinian resident, this time from Bethlehem.
- David Reisch: An Israeli settler.
- Rami Elhanan: An Israeli peace activist.
- Fatima Abed-Rabo Khalil Idris: Representing the Palestinian perspective.
Unmasking the Struggle:
The film confronts viewers with the stark reality faced by Palestinians—a people caught in a relentless cycle of dispossession, occupation, and resistance. It sheds light on why they continue to resist despite overwhelming odds. The blockade of the Gaza Strip, the loss of land, and the daily hardships are vividly portrayed.
While the majority of the film focuses on Israeli perspectives—some supportive of government policies, others critical—it also amplifies Palestinian voices. Pilger ensures that Western audiences understand the reasons behind their unwavering determination to reclaim their rights.
Controversy and Reception:
Palestine Is Still the Issue did not escape controversy. Michael Green, chairman of Carlton Communications (the company behind the film), criticized it as inaccurate and biased. However, Carlton stood by Pilger’s work, emphasizing its accuracy and commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities.
In the end, the documentary serves as a poignant reminder that peace remains elusive in the Middle East. It challenges us to question the status quo, engage with diverse perspectives, and seek a path toward justice and reconciliation.
Palestine Is Still the Issue invites us to confront uncomfortable truths, urging us to move beyond rhetoric and work toward a more just world—one where peace is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality.
