

Figuring out who is and isn’t a terrorist should be pretty simple, right? After all we have dictionaries that clearly define words. “Terrorist” is part of the English language and we should stick to what it actually means. If we don’t, words lose their meaning. We might as well call a dog a cat or the other way around. If we don’t use words properly, language becomes meaningless and open to personal moods or preferences. So, let’s look at the definition.
The Oxford English dictionary says “terrorism” is “the use of illegal violent action in order to achieve political aims,” and a “terrorist” is “a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” These definitions don’t give a free pass to anyone just because they wear a state uniform or claim to act under state authority. They also don’t mention anything about race, religion, or nationality. The bottom line is: if someone uses illegal violence to achieve political goals, they fit the definition of a terrorist.
Take Israel, for example. Its history includes numerous acts that violate international law, often justified as “self-defence” or “national security.” Bombing civilians in Gaza is illegal under international law, as outlined by the UN and organisations like the International Criminal Court (ICC). Based on the definition of terrorism, these actions qualify Israel as a terrorist state. If illegal violence against civilians for political aims is terrorism, then Israel as a state engages in terrorist acts and its soldiers who carry out such violence are terrorists.
Now what about groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Yemeni Ansar Allah? Israel and many Western countries often label them as terrorist organisations. But these labels are heavily influenced by politics. Supporting these groups, even in the context of resistance against Zionist oppression, can lead to legal trouble in some places. In the UK for example openly backing their defence of the Palestinians with only words might get you arrested under the Terrorism Act, which doesn’t leave much room for free speech.
Globally most people now see these groups as freedom fighters, much like Nelson Mandela during his fight against South African apartheid. Mandela took up arms against white supremacist oppression rule, just as these groups attacking Israel are resisting Zionist oppression in Palestine. The Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah and Hamas, fights for Palestinian self-determination and justice. Their actions are widely supported within the Palestinian community and are seen as a morally justified fight against tyranny.
The real question is this: when states break international law and use violence against civilians, does that count as terrorism? Legally, it should. But in practice the term is often used selectively, mainly against non-state actors. To be fair and consistent, anyone — whether they’re a state or an individual — using illegal violence for political goals should be called out as a terrorist. Flying a national flag or wearing a military uniform doesn’t give anyone a free pass. If we want justice, the same rules need to apply to everyone, including Israel, the USA, the UK and France.
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