“BDS”: The Power of Global Resistance for Palestinian Freedom

In a world where grassroots movements increasingly impact the political scene and even transform it , numerous movements have emerged advocating for justice and promoting peaceful resistance against the injustices faced by various peoples. These movements aim to impose policies that impact entire international systems. One such movement is the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, Palestinian in origin but global in reach. BDS seeks to boycott Israel, withdraw investments, and impose sanctions until it has become a symbol of the struggle for Palestinian rights.

what is the BDS movement?

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is a Palestinian-led movement demands for freedom, justice, and equality. It asserts that Palestinians deserve the same rights and freedoms as everyone else, striving to uphold these fundamental principles through non-violent pressure and international solidarity.

The History and Origins of BDS

We need to go back 19 years to reach on July 9, 2005 the date the movement was launched  by 170 Palestinian unions, refugee networks, women’s organizations, professional associations, popular resistance committees and other Palestinian civil society bodies.

Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the BDS movement calls for action to pressure Israel to comply with international law. It emphasizes that collective pressure from ordinary people is essential to push governments to hold Israel accountable, ultimately helping to create a just peace founded on freedom, justice, and equality.

BDS three key demands

Since the begging of the BDS movement the main aims to end international support for Israeli violations of international law by forcing companies, institutions and governments to change their policies. As Israeli companies and institutions become isolated, Israel will find it more difficult to oppress Palestinians.

The growth and success of the BDS movement sends a clear message to world governments, highlighted by its three key demands:

1.Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands :

As part of military occupation, Israel steals land and forces Palestinians into ghettos, surrounded by checkpoints, settlements and watchtowers and an illegal apartheid Wall , The movement calls on Israel to bring an end to its occupation of the territories it captured during the 1967 War. This includes the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Additionally, it demands the dismantling of the separation wall, which is seen as a barrier to peace and a symbol of the ongoing occupation. The goal is to address these key issues to ensure comply with international law and to end this occupation.

2. Recognizing the fundamental rights and full equality of Palestinian citizens :

One-fifth of Israel’s citizens are Palestinians who remained inside the armistice lines after 1948. They are subjected to a system of racial discrimination enshrined in more than 50 laws that impact every aspect of their lives The aim of this demand is to address these injustices by ensuring that Arab-Palestinian citizens are granted full equality and are protected from discriminatory practices and violence.

3.The Right of Return for Palestinian Refugees:

Israel has pursued a strategy to expand its territorial control and displace as many Palestinians as possible. This systematic forced displacement has resulted in over 7.25 million Palestinian refugees, who are denied the right to return to their homes. The movement advocates for the recognition of their right to return, as outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194, which calls for addressing the plight of refugees displaced since 1948.

what is the Strategies of BDS:

BOYCOTTS 

The movement aims to boycott Israeli companies and those who support them, and extends beyond the economic dimensions to include academic, sports, and products that profit from the injustices faced by the Palestinian people.

DIVESTMENT 

Campaigns urge banks, local councils, churches, pension funds, and universities to divest from the State of Israel, as well as from all Israeli and international companies that support or sustain Israeli apartheid.

SANCTIONS 

The sanctions strategy of the BDS movement seeks to apply international pressure on Israel through economic, military, and diplomatic means. This includes urging governments to impose trade restrictions and arms embargoes, promoting the divestment of investments from Israeli companies, and advocating for diplomatic isolation and cultural and academic boycotts , as well as suspending Israel’s membership in international forums such as UN bodies and FIFA.

BDS Achievements

The movement has gradually achieved a series of milestones globally since its launch from the east and west from UK campuses, Egyptian trade unions to the Bolivian government.

French multinational Veolia completely withdrew from Israel after a BDS campaign over its role in Israel’s colonisation of Palestinian land cost it billions of dollars in lost contracts.

G4S losing dozens of contracts with UN agencies and private companies in Jordan and Lebanon and investments in Kuwait, Medjoul Dates boycott adopted by whosale markets in Morocco, and active campaigns in Egypt and Gulf states.

Noting that G4S provides security services and equipment to Israeli checkpoints, illegal settlements and prisons where Palestinian political prisoners are held without trial and subjected to torture.

On the cultural front Thousands of artists and cultural figures including Roger Waters, Marcel Khalife and Alice Walker support the cultural boycott of Israel and stars including Lauryn Hill, Elvis Costello and Vanessa Paradis have canceled shows in Israel following requests from the BDS movement.

The Kuwaiti government blacklisted 50 companies targeted by the BDS movement as a result of campaigning by activists in Kuwait and the Palestinian BDS National Committee.

The Chilean government suspended free trade agreement talks with Israel during its 2014 attacks on Gaza following campaigning by MPs and Palestinians in the country. Bolivia and Venezuala have cut diplomatic ties with Israel.

BDS stands as a testament to the enduring power of global solidarity in the fight for Palestinian freedom. It represents more than just a movement—it is a growing symbol of the broader struggle against oppression, uniting diverse voices worldwide. As it continues to challenge the status quo, BDS reflects the possibility of achieving meaningful change through persistent, peaceful resistance. The journey toward justice may be long, but the collective strength behind the movement serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of freedom is a cause that transcends borders.