Battle Lines: Watching unedited footage of Hamas atrocities, on the ground in the West Bank, and China's wave of anti-semitism
Oct 28, 2023
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Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan and Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva share their experiences reporting on the ground in Israel and the West Bank, from screening disturbing Hamas murders to attending a poignant Shabbat dinner. They discuss the escalating violence and tensions in the West Bank and highlight the rise of online anti-Semitism in China. The podcast also explores the stories of families seeking peace and reconciliation and discusses the lessons the Israeli Defense Forces have learned from the war in Ukraine.
The podcast reveals the horrifying footage of Hamas murders, serving as evidence of their atrocities and combating Holocaust denial.
There is growing anger towards the Israeli government for its failure to protect citizens and frustration at their handling of the hostage situation, while the IDF learns from the conflict in Ukraine to prepare for potential ground offensives in Gaza and avoid mistakes made by the Russians.
Deep dives
The Harrowing Footage of Hamas Murders
The podcast discusses a screening of raw, unseen footage of Hamas murders, which lasted 43 minutes. The footage showed brutalities, including bludgeoning people to death and the killing of children, with images of bloodied floors and bodies. Journalists present at the screening were deeply affected, with some crying and leaving the room. The footage served as evidence of the atrocities that took place and aimed to combat Holocaust-like denial.
The Frustration with the Israeli Government
There is growing anger towards the Israeli government for its failure to protect citizens and effectively respond to attacks. Many people feel deceived by the government's assurances of safety, particularly in border areas. Criticism extends to Prime Minister Netanyahu, with few positive opinions expressed about the government's handling of the situation. Families and friends of the hostages held by Hamas also express frustration at the government's inability to secure their release.
Lessons from Ukraine's Conflict
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are drawing lessons from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in their preparations for a potential ground offensive in Gaza. The IDF is implementing measures to protect their tanks, such as using coping cages to prevent damage from dropped ammunition. They also aim to avoid operating tanks in highly populated areas, instead using them in rear positions for long-range precision strikes. By examining the mistakes made by the Russians in Ukraine, the IDF is striving to be prepared for every situation.
The Impact of Anti-Semitism in China
China has seen an increase in anti-Semitic comments and sentiments online, particularly from influential figures. These comments include likening Israel to the Nazis and expressing support for Hamas. While these sentiments are not representative of the general public, they highlight a worrying trend. China's official stance maintains a two-state solution, but its criticism of Israel has become more pronounced in recent years. These anti-Semitic views in China complicate its relationship with Israel and its position within the international community.
This episode of Battle Lines was released on Friday 27th of October, before Israel’s overnight strikes on Gaza.
NB: This episode of Battle Lines contains descriptions of extreme violence and murder, plus details of antisemitism. We would not advise listening to this episode with children present.
In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan and Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva about their reporting on the ground in Israel and the West Bank.
They talk about the harrowing experience of watching a screening of Hamas murders, speaking to locals in the West Bank where tension with Israel and clashes with settlers is increasing & attending a Shabbat dinner in Tel Aviv with empty chairs for those kidnapped into Gaza.
Also, Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan brings us the latest from Turkey and reports on a wave of anti-semitism in China and Brussels Editor Joe Barnes explains some of the lessons the IDF are taking from the war in Ukraine.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.
Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.