Lina Khatib, head of the Norwegian Palestine Committee, has faced death threats for her solidarity with Gaza and opposition to Israeli aggression. The threats, she believes, stem from her public stance against the Israeli occupation and support for Palestinians, voiced during a local television interview. Norwegian police, who have not arrested the perpetrator, informed Khatib that the threat came from a person of Norwegian descent without institutional affiliations.
The Norwegian Palestine Committee’s Role
Under Khatib’s leadership, the Norwegian Palestine Committee organized Oslo’s largest pro-Palestine demonstration, attracting around 6,000 participants. This reflects the growing support for the Palestinian cause in Norway. However, the Committee faces pressures from entities that equate support for Palestinian rights with backing terrorism and Hamas. This narrative, Khatib argues, serves to overshadow Israeli occupation violations and sway the international community’s focus.
Humanitarian Efforts and Government Stance
The Committee remains in contact with humanitarian organizations in Palestine and pressures the Norwegian government for increased aid and sanctions on Israel. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Ida called for an immediate ceasefire to allow aid into Gaza, though he has yet to condemn the killing of Palestinians. Khatib criticizes the characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization, arguing that it doesn’t justify Israel’s crimes against Gaza civilians, most of whom are children and unarmed women.
Freedom of Expression in Norway
Khatib notes that while freedom of expression in Norway is relatively better than in the rest of Europe, Zionist pressures have led some institutions to be cautious about their stance on Palestine. Cultural figures have expressed concerns about the repercussions of openly supporting Palestinian rights, but Khatib asserts her commitment to standing with values against massacres and occupation.
Western Contradictions and Media Bias
Highlighting the stark double standards in Western responses to conflicts, Khatib criticizes the differing treatment of European victims compared to those in Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan. She believes that many Europeans are beginning to recognize this duality. Moreover, she points out that European media often downplays Israeli occupation atrocities, influenced by Israeli media framing the conflict as “Israel vs. Hamas” rather than “Israel vs. Palestine”.
Personal Motivations and Palestinian Roots
Khatib’s Palestinian heritage plays a crucial role in her activism. With a Palestinian father and Norwegian mother, she maintains close ties with family in Palestine. Her background inspires her work with the Norwegian Palestine Committee, encouraging others to speak out and stand in solidarity with Palestine until freedom is achieved.
