Ramzy Baroud Knihy

Mats Svensson, a multifaceted Swedish photographer, diplomat, and educator, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career as a development worker since 1974. With a master's degree in Social Sciences, he has contributed to various regions, including Congo-Brazzaville, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Zambia, alongside shorter assignments in Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. His diverse background enriches his insights into social issues and cultural contexts.

"Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have experienced life in Israel's prisons since 1967, as did many more in previous decades during the course of the ongoing Israeli military occupation. Yet rarely has the story of their experiences in Israeli jails been told by the prisoners themselves.... This book permits the reader to access the reality of Palestinian imprisonment as told by Palestinian prisoners themselves -- stories of appalling suffering and determination to reclaim their freedom."--

The book presents a critical examination of the prevailing narratives surrounding Palestine, highlighting the limitations of the American pro-Israel discourse, Israeli colonialism, Arab normalization efforts, and the outdated views of Palestinian factions. These perspectives have failed to promote justice or resolution for any involved parties. Instead, it offers a fresh Palestinian perspective on liberation and decolonization, articulated by engaged leaders and intellectuals who actively shape the discourse on these issues. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds as archaeologists, artists, educators, and activists, they explore the current state of the struggle and propose actionable steps forward that align with Palestinian aspirations and realistic possibilities. The term "liberation," previously excluded from the Palestinian dialogue due to its incompatibility with the US-driven political narrative, is reintroduced as essential for achieving justice and peace. In light of the failure of the Oslo Accords and the two-state solution, the book seizes the opportunity to articulate new possibilities for Palestinian rights and freedom, offering varied pathways to progress in addressing contemporary challenges.