When 'genocide' is no longer enough: Why the Palestinians are pushing 'wholocide' – analysis

The Permanent Arab Committee for Human Rights (PACHR) has proposed the adoption of a new term, "Wholocide," to describe Israel's actions against Palestinians, arguing that "genocide" is no longer sufficient. This initiative, supported by Palestine's Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Muhannad al-Aklouk, aims to establish a shared collective memory, document alleged crimes, and support legal efforts. Ambassador al-Aklouk stated that the term was inspired by victims who described their experiences as "the horrors of the Day of Judgment" and urged various institutions to adopt it.

• This push for "Wholocide" reflects a broader escalation in language used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, moving from "occupation" (1967) to "ethnic cleansing" (1990s), "apartheid" (2000s), and "genocide" (post-October 7).
• The term "Wholocide" is seen as an attempt to create a Palestinian historical concept parallel to the Holocaust, with "Wholo" echoing "Holo," aiming to portray Israel's alleged actions as surpassing even genocide.
• The goal is to shape collective memory, influence future interpretations of the conflict, and strengthen international identification with the Palestinian cause.