Guest Sami Hamdi discusses resistance and betrayal in Gaza, focusing on Israel's inhuman aggression towards Palestinians. The podcast explores the role of Western nations in supporting Israel, the agency and existence of Palestinians in the conflict, recent political events, the Western perspective on the conflict, rocket attacks from Lebanon, the transformation of public opinion, ethnic cleansing and displacement of Palestinians, normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Pakistan, and the perception of defeat among Muslims.
The Palestinians' successful offensive has shattered the perception of their weakness and irrelevance, forcing global powers to adapt their strategies.
The US's stance on the conflict has evolved due to pressure from Republicans and Netanyahu, influencing a more supportive stance towards Israel from Biden.
Deep divisions within the EU have resulted in a complex position on the conflict, with some officials calling for aid cuts to Palestine and others condemning this approach.
Articulate Palestinians have challenged the Israeli narrative through media coverage, leading to a shift in favor of the Palestinian perspective and raising questions about journalistic impartiality.
Israel's potential for a ground invasion in Gaza is driven by a desire to address perceived humiliation, but past invasions have not achieved desired outcomes, leaving Netanyahu weighing risks and considering alternatives.
Deep dives
Impact of Palestinian Agency
The Palestinians have upended the strategic calculations of global powers, forcing them to constantly adapt their strategies. Their actions have caused shifts in policy and rhetoric from countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the US. The Palestinians' agency and successful offensive have shattered the perception of their weakness and irrelevance, and their actions have forced policymakers to consider various scenarios and options.
Evolution of US Stance
The US stance towards the conflict has evolved. Initially, Biden was worried about the impact on normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia and tried to de-escalate the situation. However, pressure from Republicans and Netanyahu has influenced the US's rhetoric, leading to a more supportive stance towards Israel. Biden aims to navigate a delicate balance, publicly supporting Israel while facilitating de-escalation and working towards a Qatari-mediated resolution.
EU's Diverging Positions
The EU's position on the conflict is complex, with public statements appearing pro-Israel, but behind the scenes, there are deep divisions. Some EU officials have called for aid cuts to Palestine, while others have condemned this approach as immoral and against international law. These differing stances highlight the tensions within the EU and the challenges of forming a unified position.
Shifting Narrative and Israeli Strategy
The Palestinian offensive has challenged the Israeli narrative and gained international sympathy. Israel is reacting by attempting to change the narrative, spreading disinformation, and pushing stories like the alleged beheading of 40 babies. The Israelis are also emphasizing the threat posed by multiple Palestinian groups rather than focusing solely on Hamas. Netanyahu's government is grappling with the perception that they have been humiliated by the Palestinians and need to take decisive action.
The Impact of Articulate Palestinians in the Media
The podcast discusses the unexpected impact of articulate Palestinians in media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The speaker highlights the emergence of a new generation of Palestinians who are tech-savvy, fluent in English, and able to convey their views eloquently. The media initially brought them in to provide balanced coverage, but they were unprepared for the powerful arguments made by these Palestinians. As a result, the media's coverage became more favorable towards the Palestinian perspective. This shift has raised questions about journalistic impartiality and the pressure faced by media organizations from Israeli interests. Some Palestinian guests have reported having interviews canceled, suggesting a desire to avoid controversy. However, the decentralization of information through social media has allowed the Palestinian narrative to reach a wider audience, challenging the traditional dominance of the Israeli narrative.
The Dilemma of Ground Invasion for Israel
The podcast explores the potential for a ground invasion by Israel in the current conflict with Gaza. The speaker explains that the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, is facing immense pressure to address the perceived humiliation caused by the Palestinians. However, past Israeli ground invasions have not resulted in the complete dismantling of Hamas or the desired outcome of victory. The speaker suggests that Netanyahu is weighing the risks and considering alternative strategies to avoid further casualties and potential political repercussions. The outcome of this consideration is uncertain due to the unprecedented situation and the various factors influencing Netanyahu's decision-making, including his personal legacy and the political landscape.
Reflections on Hope and Ummah Unity
The podcast acknowledges the sense of hopelessness and the need for ummah unity amidst challenges faced by Muslims in countries like Tunisia and India. However, it also highlights historical examples of resilience and progress. The speaker emphasizes that change can come from individual countries, citing examples of political transformations in Turkey and Pakistan. The Turkish case shows a shift in political dynamics led by the people's support for leaders who uphold Muslim values on the global stage. Similarly, the rise of Imran Khan in Pakistan signifies the backing Muslims provide to leaders perceived as advocating for Muslim rights. The speaker provocatively suggests that the perceived bleakness lies in people's desires not aligning with the course chosen by Allah, emphasizing the ultimate control of divine destiny and encouraging trust in Allah's plans.
Israel's Restraint and Potential Ethic Cleansing in Gaza
Israel has shown some restraint in its actions towards the Palestinians, both domestically and internationally. While there have been reports of Palestinians being shot by police, Israel seems wary of provoking a backlash from the Palestinians. However, there is concern that the Israeli government, specifically Prime Minister Netanyahu, sees the current situation as a golden opportunity to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Actions such as cutting off electricity and potentially polluting water sources are seen as preparations for a ground offensive, with the aim of driving Palestinians out of Gaza. Despite the bombing and ongoing hardships, Palestinians have shown bravery and resilience in defending their cause.
Pakistan's Potential Normalization with Israel
There have been discussions about Pakistan potentially normalizing relations with Israel, especially if Saudi Arabia takes such a step. However, there are mixed opinions regarding this possibility. Under Imran Khan's leadership, Pakistan's stance on Muslim causes was strong, which upset Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, the current Pakistani government seems more aligned with the Gulf states and less concerned about Muslim causes. This shift has created concern among Muslims who viewed Pakistan as a potential alternative alliance. The current government's focus on maintaining dependence on the Gulf states has raised questions about their commitment to Muslim causes and the potential for aligning with Israel.
The inhuman aggression by which Israel treats Palestinians is known to everyone who possesses an ounce of justice. This excludes, of course, Western nations for whom, apparently, history began last Saturday. However, they are very aware that the colonial outpost they set up in the Middle East is hell-bent on extracting as much land as possible to accommodate racist Americans and Europeans. They are aware that in the process, Israel slowly squeezes Palestinians and of the daily humiliations – the trigger-happy border guards that maim and murder. They know all of this yet remain deaf to the cries. They give the murderous state weapons of war, instruments of torture, and diplomatic cover. Just this past week, the main political parties on both sides of the Atlantic were falling over each other to give Israel the green light. In an age of impunity, Israel has a free pass.
But what lay behind the events last week, and what can we expect in the coming weeks from regional and international actors? To help us untangle the political issues, we once again invite Sami Hamdi back on the programme. Sami Hamdi is the managing director of the International Interest and a ME commentator.
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