‘From the river to the sea’: Why a 6-word phrase sparks fury and passion over the Israel-Hamas war

The six-word phrase, “from the river to the sea,” associated with the Israel-Hamas conflict, has become a polarizing slogan. Originating from the geographic markers of the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, this slogan encapsulates a significant stretch of land that includes Israel and the Palestinian territories.

This phrase gained renewed attention following a series of violent events. On October 7, Hamas launched a deadly assault across southern Israel, leading to Israel’s subsequent heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip. This phrase was echoed in global pro-Palestinian rallies, from London to Washington, particularly in the turbulent period following Israel’s most violent day.

This slogan is interpreted differently by various groups. Many Palestinian activists view it as a call for peace and equality, marking 75 years of Israeli statehood and prolonged Israeli military governance over Palestinian populations. Conversely, many Jews perceive it as a direct threat to Israel’s existence.

The recent violence has been unprecedented. Hamas fighters killed over 1,400 people in Israel and took at least 240 hostages back to Gaza, marking the worst violence against Jews since the Holocaust. Israel’s retaliatory actions included intense bombardment and a ground offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 11,000 Palestinian casualties, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry under Hamas control.

Hamas has adopted “from the river to the sea” as part of its agenda, which was evident in a speech by its former leader, Khaled Mashaal, in 2012. This slogan also finds its origins in the Hamas charter.

The history of this phrase dates back to the events surrounding the 1948 war, during which approximately 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from present-day Israel. Israel’s capture of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, and its subsequent withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, followed by Hamas’s takeover in 2007, are pivotal moments in this narrative.

Jewish communities, especially in London, express deep concern over the increasing use of this slogan, associating it with a rise in antisemitism. They argue that its frequent use in pro-Palestinian protests and merchandise signals an alarming trend.

Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib defended the use of this slogan, emphasizing its connotation of hope and peaceful coexistence rather than destruction or hate. Similarly, Yousef Munayyer of the Arab Center Washington highlighted the lack of freedom, justice, and equality for Palestinians in the region.

The international community largely advocates for a two-state solution, although the feasibility of this has been questioned due to Israeli settlement expansions and political stances. The Israeli government, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, has also expressed intentions of asserting Israeli sovereignty over this entire region.

The use of this slogan can have significant repercussions for public figures. For instance, Tlaib faced censure, a serious congressional penalty, for her defense of the slogan. In Vienna, a pro-Palestinian demonstration was banned due to the inclusion of this phrase in its invitations, citing it as a potential incitement to violence. The Labour party in Britain similarly penalized MP Andy McDonald for using the phrase, although he clarified that his intention was to call for an end to violence and for liberty for all in the region.

[The original author of this article can be followed for further updates at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Conflict

More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
• Hamas and its Political Stance
• Rashida Tlaib and Political Repercussions
• Jewish Community’s Response to Antisemitism
• The Two-State Solution Debate
• International Reactions to the Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Overview of the Middle East Politics