8/28/24 Dave DeCamp on Gaza, the US Strike in Syria and the Hezbollah Rocket Exchange
Sep 2, 2024
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Dave DeCamp, news editor at Antiwar.com, provides deep insights into the escalating crisis in Gaza, highlighting the staggering death toll and the challenges to humanitarian efforts. He discusses the impact of U.S. military aid on civilian safety and critiques the double standards in U.S. responses to conflicts. The conversation also delves into the complexities of U.S. airstrikes in Syria, shedding light on the chaotic nature of U.S. foreign policy while examining recent military exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by U.S. military support for Israel.
Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's provocative actions regarding Al-Aqsa Mosque threaten to further destabilize Israeli-Palestinian relations and incite violence.
Deep dives
The Human Cost of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The current situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire, with the official death toll exceeding 40,000, as reported by Gaza's health ministry. This figure does not account for many missing individuals assumed to be dead under the rubble, nor does it include indirect deaths resulting from a severe lack of healthcare and nutrition. Reports indicate instances of Israeli soldiers killing unarmed Palestinians and bulldozing their bodies to evade reporting, further complicating the true assessment of casualties. This ongoing violence is exacerbated by the substantial military support provided by the United States to Israel, which includes 50,000 tons of weapons since the latest conflict began.
Contradictions in U.S. Support for Israel
Despite the narrative promoted by the Biden administration claiming intentions toward a ceasefire, the U.S. has continued to supply Israel with military aid, significantly enabling the violence. The Israeli military acknowledges that U.S. support is vital for their operations, indicating a strong reliance on American resources for their actions in Gaza. Critics point out the hypocrisy of U.S. officials like Samantha Power, who historically advocate for human rights, yet fail to speak out against the support of Israel's military actions. This contradiction raises questions about the true motivations behind such policy decisions and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying within U.S. politics.
Escalating Tensions in the West Bank
Recent military operations launched by Israel in the West Bank underscore a significant increase in violent confrontations in the region, marking one of the most intense offensives since the second intifada. The Israeli government has emphasized targeting what it labels 'terrorist infrastructure,' similar to strategies employed in Gaza. This aggressive approach has resulted in numerous casualties and an escalation of settler violence, contributing to growing tensions among Palestinians. Observers note that the West Bank is viewed as a critical area for expansion by Israeli settlers, further complicating the already fragile situation.
Ben-Gvir's Provocative Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has been taking provocative actions regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, seeking to alter the longstanding status quo that restricts Jewish prayer at this significant Islamic site. His declarations have drawn rebuke from neighboring Muslim-majority countries and have the potential to ignite further unrest among Palestinians. Ben-Gvir's agenda seems to intentionally provoke tension, as he pushes for changes that are likely to exacerbate existing conflicts. Despite pushback from Israeli leaders who aim to mitigate these tensions, Ben-Gvir's stance signals a deeper political strategy that may influence future Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Dave DeCamp returned to Antiwar Radio this week to discuss news from the Middle East. He and Scott talk about the death count in Gaza, the dynamic of the war in the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. airstrike in Syria, the Israeli operation in the West Bank and more.
Discussed on the show:
“The Skeptic Who Could Shape Kamala Harris’s Foreign Policy” (Wall Street Journal)
“US Says It Killed Senior Member of Hurras al-Din in Syria” (Antiwar.com)
“Ben Gvir Says He Wants To Build a Synagogue at al-Aqsa Mosque” (Antiwar.com)
“Israeli Forces Launch Major Assault on the West Bank, Killing at Least 10 Palestinians” (Antiwar.com)
“The Haditha Massacre Photos That the Military Didn’t Want the World to See” (The New Yorker)