The Palestinian Divide: Origins and Implications of Palestinian Rejectionism

Abstract

In what is likely to amount to nothing more than a pyrrhic victory, Hamas’ October 2023 infiltration into Israel and subsequent assault will be greeted as a heroic act of resistance in some sectors of Palestinian society. It will invoke dread and anger in others. Employing a genealogical approach, this paper explores the effects of sectarian infighting over ideology, tactics, and aims as a means to garner greater in-group support. In doing so, the paper demonstrates that it is not so much Israel that is the object of the Palestinian struggle, but rather the struggle between the Palestinian factions themselves.