‘Palestina 36’: A Film Linking British Colonialism and Modern Violence in Gaza

The article discusses the Palestinian film *Palestina 36*, directed by Annemarie Jacir, which revisits the Palestinian uprising against British colonial rule in 1936. The film retells the events of the Arab Revolt (1936–1939), portraying the British Empire’s violent suppression of Palestinian resistance and its indirect role in laying the groundwork for the later establishment of Israel. According to the article, the British government positioned itself as a neutral mediator in Palestine but effectively facilitated European Jewish settlement, aiming to create a loyal regional outpost under imperial influence. The movie follows figures such as British officer Orde Wingate, known for organizing brutal night raids on Palestinian villages, who also trained early Jewish militias using British colonial warfare tactics. Jacir’s film draws parallels between Wingate’s tactics and those Israel employs today, depicting a historical continuity of colonial violence and military oppression. The article also criticizes Britain’s current political stance, accusing its leadership, particularly Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza by providing weapons, intelligence, and diplomatic cover. It argues that the British establishment continues to treat Palestinians as lesser beings, suppress pro-Palestinian activism, and defend Israel’s alleged crimes under international law. The text concludes that understanding Britain’s colonial history is vital to making sense of current injustices in Palestine.