Palestinian Ambassador to Spain: "Hamas is our political adversary, but it is also part of Palestinian society"

Musa Amer Odeh, Palestinian ambassador to Spain. A diplomat pleased to mention the unprecedented show of support for the Palestinian people around the world, but also angry at the "meagre" backing of the international community in the absence of legal mechanisms to protect Palestine. A cautious and categorical ambassador, he was categorical about his government's non-interference in the internal affairs of Spain and Morocco. However, for Musa Amer Odeh, the most feasible, if not utopian, solution is the creation of two states.

Is there any connection between the failed Palestinian elections and the subsequent escalation of war between Israel and Hamas?

Its purpose was to prevent the holding of the elections, scheduled for 22 May. There were 36 electoral lists, with 93% of voters registered to exercise this right (a historic figure), including the population located in East Jerusalem, eligible to vote. All citizens had been notified. Although the Palestinian Authority exists, we live under Israeli occupation and it controls every aspect of our daily lives. Israel, around 30 April, gave us an answer before the start of the election campaign: we have no government. But there was a government in office building illegal settlements. That is: they have a government to decide what is convenient for them, but they do not have a government to allow Palestinians to participate in elections. Israel was pressured by the international community to facilitate the electoral process. 

Hamas is generally regarded by the public as a terrorist organisation, but President Biden has shown his full support for the Palestinian civilian population. Can you explain Hamas's tunnelling and its weapons capability in response to Israeli aggression?

Hamas responds to Israeli aggression. We cannot compare it to Israel's military capability. The confiscation of land to prevent the creation of the state of Palestine is the clear intention of Israel, which promotes an apartheid state. Israel's attack is unconscionable and has not been against Hamas because Hamas has the capacity to hide. It has been against the population in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal interests lie in avoiding a conviction for corruption, but he will not be left alone. Ninety-five per cent of the victims of these attacks are not related to Hamas, who are part of the Palestinian population. We have multi-patriotism, even though Hamas is our political adversary, as I say to you, and we also resist Israel's occupation. The aggressions on Gaza will not stop. Gaza is under permanent collective punishment. Hamas has not carried out military operations outside the Palestinian territories. International law supports us in defending ourselves and Hamas is part of the resistance against the Israeli occupation. It is reaction in the face of action. We have asked the UN Security Council for a resolution on the latest developments, but the US position stands in the way of us getting a response. 

How have you felt more comfortable in trying to mediate a ceasefire, with Donald Trump's administration or with Biden's? 

American administrations generally have the same affable stance towards Israel. But in a diplomatic context, I perceive notable differences. President Biden and our counterpart from the Palestinian Authority have held talks, and Biden supports a two-state solution based on international law. Change comes through the creation of two states. The Palestinian people also have the right to defend themselves. There will be progress towards peace, thanks to the unity of all the Palestinian people who will never migrate because they have hope.

Since 10 May, in this escalation of violence, how many people have been killed in the Palestinian territory and how many on the Israeli side?

The figures are around 244 dead, but the numbers are increasing every day as bodies are pulled from under the rubble of so much destruction. Of these 244, 65 are children and 31 are women. Entire Palestinian families have been killed. This affects the cancelled school year, basic drinking water infrastructures inoperable, entire homes missing in Gaza territory. The Israeli side alone has recorded the death of 12 people, two of whom are Arabs. 

Do you see the younger generation in Israel moving more towards extremism or showing support for Palestine?

Young people in Jewish communities around the world appreciate a different reality on the ground and are beginning to reflect, but Israeli society as such is increasingly prone to extremism and this is reflected in the elections of the last decade. Settlers are increasingly present in parliament, and Netanyahu is increasingly showing his support for the Kannists, a supposedly Zionist-based terrorist phenomenon that calls for the expulsion and killing of Arabs. The political parties in Israel's latest elections are a surprise box of fascist personalities. Although, at the level of the Jewish community in the world, as I say, it is hearing more and more of the Palestinian. There is a young sector in the US that shows timid support, 'in crescendo', for Palestinian human and national rights. Many Jews are in favour of the Palestinian cause. There is a break in unconditional support for Israel. There is beginning to be compression in both the EU and Latin America. The existence of "Jews for Peace" should not be overlooked.

Palestinian Christians, 1% of the population, believe that the only possible solution would be to emigrate. Is that so?

Israeli aggression does not differentiate between existing religions. It is against the Palestinian presence in the holy city of Jerusalem.  Emptying Jerusalem of its indigenous inhabitants in favour of new Israeli settlers. Occupation forces attack Orthodox Easter worshippers as they access the Holy Sepulchre; Catholic priests and worshippers in churches. 

In your opinion, has the mediation of the international community been satisfactory, fair, and has the Palestinian Authority felt supported in this conflict?

This aggression has awakened an unprecedented awareness in favour of the truth of the Palestinian people. There have been demonstrations in all corners of the world, including Spain throughout the length and breadth of the country. But, regrettably, there are countries that, putting victim and perpetrator on an equal footing, have called on Hamas to stop firing rockets, showing permissiveness with Israel's attitude against Gaza. Israel will be held accountable for the crimes it is committing.

Could you give me an assessment of the current Spanish-Moroccan conflict, and has there been any consideration of the possibility that Palestinian citizens could be moved to Western Sahara to relieve the population pressure in the Gaza Strip?

The Palestinian Authority never interferes in the internal affairs of other nations. I do not want to give my opinion because it is not my place. But I make it clear that this is not a migration process in Gaza for humanitarian reasons, but rather a deeply political issue, a colonisation by the Israeli occupying power for decades. The issue is much more complex because of its deep roots from more than a century ago when Britain promised "a national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, and the realisation of this promise with the creation of the State of Israel since 73 years which is our "Nakba", meaning catastrophe in Arabic.

Carmen Chamorro García, IPC/ACPE board member and SEI graduate in International Relations