I’m a Palestinian citizen of Israel. Right now, that’s as complex as you could possibly imagine | Maria Rashed

Let's be clear: one can support Palestinians' right to resist and end the occupation without supporting Hamas

One thing that unites Palestinians is that our journey is never easy or smooth. To be a Palestinian citizen in Israel is exceptionally challenging - especially at the moment, when people expect you to take a clear, one-sided stance. I am forced to constantly question where I truly belong, feeling nowhere and everywhere simultaneously.

I was born and raised in Nazareth in a Christian family. Later, I moved to Tel Aviv, living in a diverse community with Arabs and Jews. Although I was born in Israel, I struggle to identify fully with a country that views me as a second-class citizen, publicly speaks against Arabs, oppresses Palestinians - and the list goes on.

Maria Rashed is a freelance journalist

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