Popular Resistance : The Construction of the Wall 2002 Marwan Darweish Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University

Understanding of NVR Dependent power Identifying and undermining ‘pillars’ of support Raising the costs of regime policies Collective civilian resistance against occupation Forms of nonviolent resistance: protest and persuasion, non-cooperation, and intervention Conditions necessary for emergence of NVR to occupation: shared identity, leadership, ownership at local level

Continue Conditions necessary for successful collective NVR: Experienced practitioners, high level of oppression, weak movement advocating violence, achievable goals, organisational strength, clear strategy etc....

Why NVPR Now Failure of the peace process The violence in the second Intifada was damaging Asymmetric military power Israeli is less capable of dealing with unarmed resistance

Long tradition of NV resistance in Palestine.

Three types of NVR Response to the construction of the Wall Counter the establishment of settlements Resilience to stay in the land (Area C)

Structure Three networks: Stop the Wall Coalition- represent left politics Palestinian Popular Resistance Committee, main stream National Committee, Fatah However... No formal structure at local level Activists shared same history Positive model and cooperation at grass root

Activities Defence of people as they pursue their daily lives: Accompaniment, protection, documentation, advocacy and legal Defence of land and property: Demonstrations, reclaim land, confrontation Enhance the resilience of communities: Stay, meet basic needs Offensive activities to make cost high for Israel: occupy, block, prevent, destroy equipment and boycott goods

Role of Israeli and internationals A defensive shield Radio and camera to the world Solidarity, “We are not alone” Accompaniment Legal and advocacy Humanitarian aid To present alternative voice to their society To support BDS

Challenges Political fracture....crisis of leadership and trust Political fracture....different networks Lack of strategy and vision to inform activists Lack of coordination: two activities in Bila’en and Hebron Cynicism about motivation and competition Created sense of resignation...whatever we do and the world will ignore us Lack of hope in NVPR

Sanctions and intimidation by Israel