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Kerala and the Gaza Crisis: Solidarity, Politics, and Media Responses

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  • Irfan Ahmed Nazir

Abstract

Events that unfold in the Middle East profoundly impact the social and political environment in Kerala, India’s southernmost state. This article examines the response in Kerala to the attacks and counter-attacks by the Hamas militants and the Israeli forces in and around the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Traditionally, a pro-Palestine sentiment has been prevalent in Kerala due to its geographical proximity to the Arabian Peninsula, its notable Muslim population, and its anti-imperialist political discourses under the influence of the dominant Left ideology. However, there has been an increasing appeal for Israel in Kerala recently, especially among some Christian denominations. This article considers these factors and analyzes Kerala’s response to the Gaza crisis using news articles, statements by political and religious leaders, and the editorials of five prominent Malayalam language newspapers. Despite debates around the Gaza crisis in Kerala being less unequivocal, the state’s social and political circles largely stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Suggested Citation

  • Irfan Ahmed Nazir, 2024. "Kerala and the Gaza Crisis: Solidarity, Politics, and Media Responses," Contemporary Review of the Middle East, , vol. 11(4), pages 466-491, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:crmide:v:11:y:2024:i:4:p:466-491
    DOI: 10.1177/23477989241289686
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