Israeli historian Raz Segal discusses the debate on Israel's response to Hamas and the term 'genocide'. They explore incitement to genocide in Israeli media and political discourse. The podcast explores whether Israel's attack on Gaza meets the UN definition of genocide. It also delves into the historical perspective of denial of genocidal violence in Israel and the implications of recognizing genocide in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Quick takeaways
The Israeli attack on Gaza meets the criteria for genocide according to the UN Genocide Convention, highlighting clear intent, dynamics of violence, and the capacity to carry out genocidal acts.
The division within the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies regarding the Israeli attack on Gaza necessitates a reevaluation of assumptions and the need to address diverging viewpoints to prevent future genocidal violence and maintain the field's integrity.
Deep dives
The Genocidal Assault on Gaza and its Implications
The podcast episode discusses the ongoing genocidal assault on Gaza by Israel. It highlights the argument that the attack meets the criteria for genocide according to the UN Genocide Convention. The episode emphasizes that genocide is a process and that the Israeli attack on Gaza shows clear intent, dynamics of violence, and the capacity to carry out genocidal acts. It also delves into the incitement and dehumanization of Palestinians in Israeli society, as well as the denialist discourse and the danger faced by Palestinian citizens of Israel. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and acknowledging the genocidal nature of the assault, both in terms of prevention efforts and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Shift in Holocaust and Genocide Studies Discourse
The podcast discusses the division and crisis within the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies regarding the Israeli attack on Gaza. It highlights the differing opinions on whether the assault requires a rethinking of the assumptions in the field. The episode mentions two opposing statements by Holocaust and Genocide Studies scholars, one recognizing the genocidal nature of the attack and another denying it. It emphasizes the need to confront and address the divergence of viewpoints in order to prevent future genocidal violence and ensure the integrity of the field.
Misconceptions and Definitions of Genocide
The podcast explores common misconceptions and definitions of genocide. It clarifies that genocide is not solely about immediate mass killing, but rather a process that involves intent, dynamics of violence, and the capacity to carry out genocidal acts. The episode highlights the importance of understanding the UN definition of genocide and dispels misconceptions tied to simplified narratives of the Holocaust. It also delves into the significance of incitement to genocide and how Israeli media and society are immersed in a destructive and genocidal discourse, which requires attention and recognition.
The International Implications and Mechanisms for Prevention
The podcast discusses the international implications and mechanisms for preventing genocidal violence. It emphasizes the legal obligation to intervene and prevent genocide once there is a clear risk or ongoing genocide. The episode highlights the role of arms deals and calls on states to honor their obligations under the UN Genocide Convention. It also points to the importance of accountability and the pursuit of justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, the episode raises the urgency of recognizing and addressing the genocidal assault on Gaza, while considering the larger context of Israeli mass violence, settler colonialism, and the future path forward.
Ryan and Emily sit down with Israeli historian and Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Raz Segal to ask him about Genocide and Gaza.