Nowhere Left to Go in Gaza as Israel’s Ground Assault on Rafah Looms
Feb 14, 2024
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This podcast explores the dire situation in Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah, amidst Israel's ground assault. It delves into the history of Palestine, discusses the renewed push for a two-state solution, examines Egypt's role in the conflict, and highlights escalating violence and dispossession in the West Bank.
The ongoing assault on Gaza has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, leaving the region uninhabitable and its people suffering from displacement and acute food insecurity.
The role of Hamas in the conflict is examined, including its decision-making process, demands, and the challenges it faces amidst the ongoing violence.
Deep dives
The Devastation of Gaza and the Threat of Population Transfer
The podcast episode discusses the ongoing assault on Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah. It highlights the fear of an imminent ground invasion by Israel and the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian population. The episode emphasizes the extensive destruction caused by the Israeli military campaign, leaving Gaza uninhabitable and its people suffering from displacement, famine, and acute food insecurity. It also delves into the impact on the future of Palestine, the broken status quo, and the resistance to a two-state solution. The episode explores Egypt's role, its concerns about potential mass displacement, and the international community's response, including the Biden administration and the media coverage of the conflict. Overall, the episode provides a grim outlook on the situation in Gaza and emphasizes the need for accountability and justice for Palestinians.
Hamas and the Shattered Status Quo
The podcast episode examines the role of Hamas in the current conflict, highlighting its consultative approach to decision-making and the challenges faced due to the ongoing violence. It discusses the goals and demands of Hamas, the complexities of its leadership structure, both inside and outside of Gaza, and the impact of its actions on the negotiation process for a ceasefire. The episode analyzes the difficult prospects for a return to the status quo, considering the level of destruction and the changing dynamics within Israeli society. It also explores the revived push for a two-state solution, questioning its feasibility and highlighting the need for accountability and dismantling of apartheid.
The West Bank and Settler Violence
The podcast episode sheds light on the alarming escalation of settler violence and colonialism in the West Bank, which has accelerated over the past few months. It discusses the expansion and strengthening of settler violence, emphasizing its structural nature and state-sanctioned policy rather than isolated incidents. The episode highlights the complicity of the Israeli government and the challenges of addressing settler violence through individual sanctions. It also outlines the impact of such violence on the Palestinian population, particularly in terms of dispossession and intimidation. The episode further touches upon the situation in other regions of historic Palestine, including 48, where similar acts of violence and oppression are occurring.
Hope Amidst the Darkness
The podcast episode concludes with a glimmer of hope amidst the bleak situation. It acknowledges the shattered paradigms and shifts in public discourse surrounding Palestine, fueled by the spread of information through social media. The episode highlights the organizing efforts and mobilization of grassroots movements for justice in Palestine, particularly among younger generations. It emphasizes the realignment happening within the base of the Democratic Party, which is becoming more progressive and supportive of Palestinian rights. The episode also acknowledges the importance of international solidarity and the growing understanding of the root causes of suffering in Palestine. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, the episode maintains a hopeful outlook for a future that prioritizes justice and liberation for the Palestinian people.
On Friday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a ground invasion of Rafah, where at least 1.3 million Palestinians are sheltering; the vast majority are refugees who have fled their homes. Israel’s most recent bombardments on Rafah have killed at least 14 people in a set of strikes on Thursday and upward of 100 on Monday. This week on Intercepted, guest host Sharif Abdel Kouddous — a contributing writer for The Intercept — and Tareq Baconi discuss Israel’s latest assault on Gaza, the history of Palestine, and prospects for the future. Baconi is the president of the board of Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, a former senior analyst for the International Crisis Group on Israel/Palestine, and author of “Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance.”
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