Al Jazeera Centre for Studies released a new book on 1 July 2024 titled Ru’ya hawl al-Amn al-Qawmi al-Filastini: Al-Mafhoum, at-Tahadiyat, al-Furas, Subul at-Ta’ziz (Arabic: A Vision of Palestinian National Security: Concept, Challenges, Opportunities and Advancement Strategies) by Palestinian researcher Alaa Al Najjar. The book delves into the concept of national security, exploring theoretical frameworks and various dimensions such as characteristics, levels, opportunities and challenges. It also examines approaches taken by smaller nations to achieve their own national security.
Furthermore, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of Palestinian national security, covering its foundational concepts, dimensions and the geopolitical realities Palestinians face. It explores the evolution of Palestinian security efforts and discusses how the concept of national security applies in the unique context of Palestine.
The book also offers insights into Palestinian national security within diverse security paradigms, taking into account the Palestinian strategic landscape and its internal and external challenges.
Regarding challenges, the author specifies two spheres: Palestinian and Israeli. Within the Palestinian context, the book discusses the impact of internal divisions and the crisis of the national project on Palestinian security. It also addresses issues such as the fragility of the political system, the erosion of Palestinian national identity, institutional corruption, forced geographic fragmentation, labour and espionage challenges, the proliferation of weapons and security instability. As for the Israeli context, the book examines ongoing Israeli expansionism in the name of security, the resulting control over Palestinian territories, the blockade of Gaza and Israeli economic dominance over Palestine.
On the regional and international fronts, the book highlights challenges arising from the absence of a strategic international ally for Palestinians and the implications of the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States on Palestinian national security. It also discusses challenges posed by the international system, the composition of the UN Security Council, and their impact on achieving justice and enforcing relevant international laws and resolutions.
The book concludes by discussing potential pathways for bolstering Palestinian national security, including demographic factors, the resilience of Palestinian resistance in its various forms, and the contributions of the Palestinian diaspora. It also reflects on Israel's inability to eradicate Palestinian presence and the limits of Israeli military capabilities in asymmetric conflicts (such as urban warfare and tunnel operations).
Lastly, the author underscores the opportunities for Palestinian national security presented by Arab and Islamic solidarity, as well as the growing international awareness and support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in light of recent conflicts in Gaza since 7 October 7 of last year.
The book is available in Arabic here.