National Competition... When Does It Shift from a Lever for Liberation to a Service for Occupation?

The differences between Palestinian factions are not a flaw or a danger in themselves, but rather a characteristic of any active liberation movement searching for the optimal path to freedom. The diversity of visions and interpretations is a sign of intellectual and political vitality, provided that this diversity remains governed by the higher national interest and that the competition among factions is a positive one, measured by how close it is to confronting the occupation and accelerating its demise, rather than measuring its ability to distort others or gain the approval of foreign entities.

Palestinians have witnessed shining examples of this noble competition, especially within Palestinian universities, where the arenas of student activity were filled with national initiatives and each faction strived to prove its presence through fieldwork and national initiatives. In those days, the competition revolved around who gave more for Palestine, who carried out operations against the occupation, and who presented martyrs, prisoners, and injured for the sake of the homeland, where the measure of preference was national contribution and serving the people, not privileges or foreign funding.

However, today we witness – unfortunately – a dangerous deviation in the concept of competition, with some political and media rhetoric focused on criticizing and distorting other factions without any arrows pointed towards the occupation, as if the real battle has become internal rather than national, and as if the occupation has disappeared from the scene. Worse still, some voices do not seek to build a resistance project but rather strive to gain the approval of external Israeli or American entities or others, in an attempt to gain legitimacy or temporary political gains at the expense of national interest.

Here lies the real danger: when national competition turns into settling factional scores and criticism turns into incitement and treachery that serve the enemy's agendas, we find ourselves, without realizing it, transitioning from the field of resistance to serving the occupation.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that political work is not like resistance at the field level; each has its tools, contexts, and commitments. Some factions, due to their position within the official framework or their commitments within the Palestinian Liberation Organization, are obliged to respect the agreements and international charters they have signed on behalf of the Palestinian people. This does not mean abandoning constants or accepting the occupation, but rather, it is part of managing the conflict through multiple means. Awareness of the integration between politics and the field is what preserves the national project from internal contradictions and keeps the compass directed towards the greater goal.

Therefore, it is inappropriate to measure everyone by a single standard; rather, every position should be understood within its political or field context while maintaining the common goal and integration to achieve liberation and end the occupation.

Furthermore, criticism – which is a legitimate right and a national necessity – is not complete unless accompanied by an alternative plan that is applicable. Criticism without a practical vision becomes closer to boasting than to responsibility. Constructive criticism is what identifies the mistake and suggests a better path while respecting the efforts and sacrifices of others at the same time, as it stems from concern rather than enmity.

The standard of patriotism in Palestine must remain constant and clear: whoever confronts the occupation is part of the liberation struggle, and whoever focuses on distorting their partners in struggle without directing a single arrow at the enemy is – whether intentionally or ignorantly – prolonging the occupation and weakening the internal front.

It is not required that we all become similar or melt into a single faction; rather, we should manage our differences wisely and consciously so that they contribute to serving the greater aim: liberation. The occupation is the first and last enemy, and everything else is details that should be managed with a mature national mind, not with factional fanaticism or media provocations.

Let us turn our competition into a race in resilience, sacrifice, and national achievement.

Let us compete in who causes the occupation more pain and who gives more to Palestine – not in who pleases the enemy more or harms their own people more.

In this context, we propose:

 1.    Approval of a national code of honor among factions affirming that internal criticism must remain within the framework of national interest and prohibiting treachery and media incitement that serves the occupation.
 2.    Respect for the international commitments of the Palestinian Liberation Organization as the legitimate representative of the people, ensuring that these commitments are not used as an excuse to disrupt resistance or the people's right to liberation.
    3.    Launching an ongoing national dialogue that balances the requirements of politics and the necessities of the field, preventing clashes between the two paths.
    4.    Commitment to responsible criticism linked to a realistic plan or alternative, away from boasting or defamation.

5.   Developing professional, impartial national media that addresses all segments of society and provides space for all Palestinians. This media should highlight the accomplishments of the factions in confronting the occupation and promote a culture of unity despite differences while practicing constructive criticism and opening a real space for free dialogue of opinions. It should also contribute to national mobilization while clearly distinguishing between secondary challenges and the strategic conflict against the occupation.

    6.    Empowering youth and student frameworks to restore the spirit of noble struggle competition through national projects and joint field initiatives that enhance belonging and renew the national discourse, serving as a starting point for unity and a model for others to follow.

Unity of purpose does not mean uniformity of means, just as plurality does not imply division as long as everyone works under the roof of the homeland. The true competition is the one that serves the interest of Palestine and accelerates the end of the occupation. Let our compass always be directed towards Jerusalem, and let our real struggle be against those who occupy our land, not against those who share our dream of freedom.