Gaza the New Hunger Games

The Hunger games trilogy (2008-2010) is a young adult dystopian fiction series written by Suzanne Collins. This novel explores themes of systemic oppression, disproportionate power, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups. The Hunger games are a world where The Capital exerts totalitarian control over the twelve districts of Panem. The novel highlights military dominance, the use of media as a tool of propaganda and collective punishment. Though Collins writes what appears to be a work of fiction yet this novel also perfectly depicts the ongoing Israeli Palestine war specifically the atrocities of Gaza. So the question prevails ishuman history writing its very own Hunger Games?

The military supremacy of Israel over Gaza perfectly mirrors that dominance of The Capital on the people of Panem. Israel posing great control over Gaza’s airspace, economy and aid. This blockade has resulted in severe humanitarian problems such as limiting the flow of medical supplies, food and many more essentials needed for human life. Similar to how The Capital controls the flow of necessities making a point for the people to have little to no control on their autonomy

“If no one watches, then they don’t have a game. It’s as simple as that.”

– (The Hunger Games)

Media narrative is often destroyed to fit into political agendas. The truth is far from the portrayal of the media. The suffering of the tributes is often manipulated by The Capital to fit into their ideology of how this is a necessity to maintain the order in Panem. Just like how the suffering and atrocities on the people of Palestine is downplayed with terms like self-defense justifying the military actions against civilians. Civilian causalities including childrendescribed as Collateral Damage.

“The Capitol has their own way of turning children into killers.”

– (Catching Fire)

The blockade in Gaza or the Gaza Siege turned into what was described as an open air prison. During times of conflict these restriction are intensified similar to when Katniss and Peeta defied the Capital and there district 12 was destroyed. The reason is same to show an image of power and dominance. To make it clear to the people that even an ounce of rebellion will result in great consequences. Neighborhoods completely destroyed and people trapped in a place of no escape.

“Destroying things is much easier than making them.”

– (The Hunger Games)

In the Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen wasn’t made a revolutionary figure by choice but because of mere circumstance. The same case in Palestine here people aren’t militants but are forced into resistance because of the ongoing siege and military resistance. Israel has advanced weaponry holding a significant technological advantage over the people of Palestine. Similar to Collins novel on how the Capital uses advanced weaponry to control the people of Panem. This military imbalance shows the power dynamic between the Capital or Israel and Panem or Palestine.

“It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.”

– (Mockingjay)

The people of The Capital watch this spectator from the comfort of their homes, a distorted reality. The tributes aren’t their children or someone from their region. The case is same for the people of Palestine as the International Community are mere watchers as this humanitarian crisis unfolds and their people turn into numbers with no names. Similar to the Capitals spectator many feel powerless, indifferent to the suffering of the people of Palestine or are just misinformed due to biased media coverage.

“Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!”

– (Mockingjay)

Collins novels are just a fictional warning but Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe. The ongoing oppression and military resistance is not part of any dystopian novel but a present day reality. Both depicting a powerful military force exerting disproportionate power over a population of people. So the question remains will human history writes its very own Hunger Games?

I am done being a piece in their game.”

– (Catching Fire)