Death in Gaza: A Discussion of the Film

Death in Gaza, an extraordinary film, is perhaps the most poignant film on the topic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What had originally been intended as a film presenting a balanced and impartial view of the innocents in an unjust conflict, became a striking film underscored by the tragic irony of its result.

James Miller, the film's creator and director, in the process of filming this story, was killed by Israeli soldiers in a barrage of tank fire. Miller had intended for the focus of the story of two young Palestinian boys and a slightly older Palestinian girl, all growing up in a war-torn, suppressed, and Israeli dominated Palestine. The two boys are best friends who, in a very adult way, bear a hatred for Israelis, much of which is driven by fear of the unknown, the experiences they have had with this group, and the opinions the Israelis have of their people. Referring to the enemy as "pigs" these boys have a difficult time empathizing, or understanding the needs and desires of their oppressor. Conversely, the girl, barely a teenager, has aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Rather than having unfocused aggression and hatred, she wished to use the law to diplomatically and legally bring about peace in her homeland.

Throughout the film viewers are also given an opportunity to observe a number of other children in a world that seems futile. The death of a 14-year old boy caused by a bullet wound to the back grabs the audience off of its western pedestal and forces the acceptance of the fact that the Palestinians are not the primary aggressors in this war. This point is emphasized through Miller's death at the hands of soldiers while filming a documentary aimed at furthering the peace process.

To truly understand this situation, one must understand the history of the region, particularly since the 1940's. It is no secret that Israel is traditionally seen, particularly by the Jews and the Western world, as the native land of that people. According to religious texts, the land was promised to them by God in a covenant made with the prophets and religious leaders of ancient times. This belief is not taken lightly. In fact, in the document that asserted Israel as an independent and autonomous state, the following text is written:

"The land of Israel is the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious, and national identity was formed. Here they achieved independence and created a culture of national and universal significance. Here they wrote and gave the Bible to the world" (Whitelam, 1996).