Dehumanization of Disregard: The Case of Gaza

Abstract

The prevalent assumption in media discourse suggests that, due to an intelligence failure and the perception of Hamas's being effectively deterred, Israel was unexpectedly attacked on October 7, 2023. This study, by contrast, delves into the concept of “dehumanization of disregard” within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing from Judith Butler's notion of “ungrievable death.” It posits that Israeli attitudes toward the Gazan population are marked by indifference and neglect. This passive dehumanization coexists with, yet is distinct from, a more active form that overtly degrades Palestinian inhabitants within the human hierarchy. The article contends that this dehumanization of disregard, which fails to recognize the Gazan population, almost inevitably leads to a denial of their capacity to make a difference and challenge the indirect Israeli control over the Strip. The study examines how this disregard became institutionalized in Israel's approach to Gaza and contributed to the October 7 catastrophe. It concludes that acknowledging Palestinian humanity is not merely a security imperative but an essential precondition for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advancing toward a sustainable political settlement.