Samaneh Moafi, Assistant Director of Research at Forensic Architecture, dives into the grim realities of Gaza's humanitarian crisis, revealing findings from their latest report, 'A Cartography of Genocide.' They discuss how Israel's military actions have systematically targeted civilians, food sources, and medical infrastructure, highlighting the violence as an organized campaign to eradicate life. Moafi emphasizes the role of innovative techniques like 3D modeling in documenting the Nakba and advocating for justice, pushing for a deeper understanding of these historical injustices.
Forensic Architecture's interdisciplinary approach effectively integrates diverse evidence types to document and analyze systemic violence in Gaza, enhancing historical accountability.
The report 'A Cartography of Genocide' reveals a coordinated Israeli campaign targeting civilian infrastructure, challenging narratives that frame the violence as purely defensive.
Deep dives
The Role of 3D Models in Documenting Atrocities
3D models serve as a pivotal tool for reconstructing historical events and establishing relationships between various forms of evidence. In the context of Palestine, these models incorporate archival materials, aerial surveys, ground images, and personal testimonies from survivors, creating a multi-faceted understanding of traumatic events like the Nakba. By utilizing these models, researchers not only document past atrocities but also provide a means for survivors to navigate and engage with their memories safely. The intersections of these different types of evidence enhance the model's evidentiary value, making it a powerful resource for historical accountability.
Uncovering Patterns of Systematic Violence
Recent investigations into the state of Gaza highlight an alarming pattern of systemic violence perpetrated by Israel, characterized as a campaign to systematically dismantle life within the region. The comprehensive report titled 'A Cartography of Genocide' reveals how infrastructure, agriculture, and civilian resources have been deliberately targeted, showcasing a coordinated effort to destroy the fabric of Palestinian society. This investigation emphasizes that the destruction is not random but follows a discernible logic, correlating military actions with the systematic erosion of agricultural productivity and civilian infrastructure. Such documentation challenges dominant narratives about the violence in Gaza being merely a defensive response and frames it as an orchestrated act of genocide.
The Interdisciplinary Approach of Forensic Architecture
Forensic Architecture utilizes an interdisciplinary approach that amalgamates skills from various fields including journalism, architecture, and science to analyze and reconstruct incidents of state violence. This collaborative effort incorporates insights from individuals with lived experiences in conflict zones, enhancing the depth and validity of their findings. By employing innovative methodologies such as 'situated testimony' and analyzing spatial data, the team can catalog patterns of military activity and document the realities faced by communities under siege. This practice not only elevates the discourse around human rights violations but also acts as a form of resistance against attempts to obscure the truth.
Mobilizing Evidence for Change
The dissemination of the findings from these investigations is crucial in mobilizing support and bringing about change in discourse and policy regarding Palestine. The report is structured to be accessible to legal forums, ensuring that its conclusions can be utilized in international discussions and court cases addressing human rights violations in Gaza. However, effective change also requires engagement across media and cultural platforms to broaden public awareness and understanding of the issues at hand. By collaborating with various organizations and adapting the materials for different contexts, the evidence can influence not only legal strategies but also shape narratives and cultural perceptions surrounding the ongoing crisis.
Samaneh Moafi is the Assistant Director of Research at Forensic Architecture, a research agency operating across human rights, journalism, architecture, art, academia and the law. Their interdisciplinary investigations have been crucial in providing evidence in cases of state violence where ordinary and typical investigative journalism has failed.
Samaneh joins me today to discuss their most recent report released on the state of genocide in Palestine at the hands of Israel. ‘A Cartography of Genocide’ shows how Israel has repeatedly reshaped the Gazan territory, attacked citizens in safe zones, destroyed food and water systems, targeted medical infrastructure, attacked civilian infrastructure and targeted aid. They have come to the conclusion that the violence in Gaza is a systemic and organized campaign to destroy life.
Planet: Critical is 100% independent and community-powered. If you value it, and have the means, become a paid subscriber today.