In our recent article on the Gaza Board of Peace, we regret that portions of the text may have mischaracterized the motivations of Palestinians who choose to remain in their homeland. The article suggested that workers who stay are primarily motivated by firm nationalist commitments and may support Hamas. While nationalism may influence some workers, it was not our intention to imply that remaining in one’s homeland during a genocide is simply an expression of nationalist ideology.

Many Palestinian workers remain because of deeply rooted social, economic, and historical realities — including the lasting trauma of the Nakba in 1948, after which many Palestinians were permanently barred from returning to their homes. For many, the fear of displacement and permanent exile is a profound and legitimate reason for staying. We sincerely apologize for language that may have appeared dismissive or insensitive to these realities.

Additionally, the article stated or implied that there has historically been no class-conscious resistance in Palestine. There were significant efforts toward a binational, communist-led struggle in Palestine during the 1920s and 1930s. However, these movements ultimately fragmented along nationalist lines. Palestinian nationalism has often entailed loyalty to a Palestinian ruling class — a small elite that has, at times, exploited Palestinian workers in its own interests or in collaboration with successive colonial and imperial authorities. To read our analysis on Palestine and Israel visit https: tinyurl.com/4h8c55z4