In an opinion column marking three years since the October 7 events, Al Jazeera contributor Arib al-Rantawi argues that resistance should be understood as a broader social and political structure, while its particular forms can change.
In an opinion column published by Al Jazeera, Jordanian writer and political analyst Arib al-Rantawi considers the future of Palestinian resistance three years after the events of October 7, 2023. He says the conflict’s repercussions extend beyond the region, affecting shipping, supply chains and energy markets, and cautions against confident predictions amid continued instability.
Al-Rantawi argues that discussion must begin with the changed strategic circumstances after October 7. He identifies Palestinians’ ability to remain on their land as a priority. The author uses a broader definition of resistance than the activity of individual factions or armed struggle, describing the latter as one instrument rather than an end in itself.
He calls for Palestinian society to play a role wherever Palestinians live, while retaining a place for groups that have taken part in the confrontation. He believes Palestinians remain capable of political mobilization and of developing new forms of struggle. Al-Rantawi says he is offering his interpretation of the conflict, not a prediction with a guaranteed outcome.
Assessing the war’s consequences, the columnist writes that extensive destruction in Gaza does not necessarily secure long-term political gains for Israel. He also links future developments to international views of Israel and shifts in public opinion in the United States and Europe. These are the author’s assessments; the column does not provide detailed polling data.
Al-Rantawi also disputes calls for Palestinian groups to lay down their arms, arguing that resistance evolves and is passed between generations. He believes excluding influential factions makes political agreements more difficult. These conclusions are presented as the author’s position, rather than independently verified facts.
In the final section, the column describes resistance as a political, cultural and social structure connected to society. The author proposes reviewing the Palestinian national project and distinguishes the continuity of resistance from the changing organizations and methods through which it is pursued. He urges choosing forms of action that society can sustain, strengthen its presence on the land and increase the cost of occupation.