Battle Lines: Israeli troops push deep into Gaza & investigating Hamas' property portfolio
Nov 4, 2023
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Hear Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan discuss the Israeli forensics teams searching through ash for teeth to identify Hamas victims. Sophia Yan investigates Hamas assets in Turkey, and Nataliya Vasilyeva talks about her reporting on the experiences of the Israeli Bedouin. Get an overview of the history of the region from Assistant Comment Editor Francis Dearnley.
Israeli forensics teams are searching through ash to identify Hamas victims, demonstrating the traumatic consequences of the conflict.
Sophia Yan's investigation uncovers Hamas' assets in Turkey, shedding light on their financial capabilities as a terror group.
Nataliya Vasilyeva reports on the experiences of Israeli Bedouin, highlighting the impact of the conflict on different communities within Israel.
Deep dives
History of the Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Palestine originated from the displacement of Jewish communities thousands of years ago and the subsequent persecution of Jews in Europe. The Zionist movement emerged in the late 19th century, calling for a Jewish nationalist state. The Balfour Declaration in 1917 expressed support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. After World War II and the Holocaust, Jewish migration to Palestine increased. In 1947, the UN proposed a partition plan, creating separate Jewish and Arab states. Israel declared independence in 1948, leading to the Arab-Israeli War. Israel emerged victorious, resulting in the displacement of Palestinians in what they refer to as the Nakba. In the following years, Israel occupied significant territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights, triggering further tensions. The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel occupying more territories. In 1973, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to the Yom Kippur War. In 1978, the Camp David Accords facilitated peace between Israel and Egypt. Secret negotiations in Oslo resulted in agreements in 1993, establishing the Palestinian Authority and a framework for future relations. The first intifada in 1987 aimed to raise awareness and pressure Israel to withdraw. The second intifada in 2000 escalated violence and occupation. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip, and Hamas gained power. Offensives occurred in the late 2000s to weaken Hamas. In recent years, diplomatic efforts aimed for peace, with the Abraham Accords signed in 2020. The recent conflict was sparked by Hamas' attacks, as they sought to prevent increased tensions between Arab nations and Israel. The cycle of violence persists with no resolution in sight.
Current Situation and Tensions
The current conflict between Israel and Palestine intensified with Hamas launching destructive attacks in retaliation to Israel's occupation and policies. The conflict has seen numerous casualties, destruction, and displacement. Attempts to negotiate peace and establish a two-state solution have faced challenges due to contentious issues, such as control of Jerusalem and the occupied territories. The occupation, continued settlement expansion, security concerns, and the lack of progress have driven frustrations and led to violence. The Israeli government asserts its right to defend itself, while Palestinians seek self-determination, equal rights, and an end to the occupation. Both sides have faced criticism for their actions, leading to international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and finding a lasting solution.
Impact on People and Society
The conflict has had a profound impact on the lives of people in Israel and Palestine. Jewish communities faced persecution and displacement, leading to the establishment of Israel. Palestinians experienced displacement, loss of homes, and casualties. The conflict has created deep divisions and grievances, fueling cycles of violence and resistance. Efforts to find peace and coexistence face significant challenges due to historical trauma, ongoing occupation, and unresolved political issues. Innocent civilians, including children, suffer the consequences of the conflict, facing constant threat, trauma, and disrupted lives. The conflict has also strained international relationships, created diplomatic complexities, and raised humanitarian concerns.
International Involvement and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community has been involved in various diplomatic efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Initiatives like the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Accords sought to establish frameworks for negotiations and future relations. International organizations, such as the United Nations, have proposed resolutions and peace plans to resolve the conflict. Many nations have taken sides or tried to mediate in the conflict, aiming to facilitate peace talks and de-escalation. The United States has often played a significant role as a mediator, hosting negotiations and providing support to Israel. Other countries, including Arab nations, have also been involved in peace initiatives and normalization efforts.
The Need for a Lasting Peace and Resolution
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for decades, causing immense human suffering and undermining peace efforts in the region. The need for a lasting solution and resolution is paramount for the well-being and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. A two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully, has been a widely discussed and supported approach. However, achieving this requires addressing key issues, such as borders, settlements, Jerusalem, security, refugees, and the recognition and rights of both nations. International cooperation, dialogue, compromise, and respect for human rights are crucial for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
A warning this week that this episode contains graphics language that some listeners might find distressing.
In this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, Middle East correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva and Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan.
Danielle speaks about the Israeli forensics teams searching through ash as they look for teeth to identify Hamas victims, Sophia takes us inside her investigation into Hamas assets in Turkey, and Nataliya explains her reporting into the experiences of the Israeli Bedouin.
Plus Assistant Comment Editor Francis Dearnley takes on the difficult task of trying to sum up the history of the region.
To listen to Battle Lines as soon as it's released, search Battle Lines: Israel-Gaza, wherever you're listening to this.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Host). @djknowles22 on Twitter.
Nataliya Vasilyeva (Middle East Correspondent). @Nat_Vasilyeva on Twitter.
Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on Twitter.
Sophia Yan (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @sophia_yan on Twitter.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on Twitter.
Read Inside the gleaming developments that made Hamas a $1bn terror group, by Sophia Yan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/30/property-developments-hamas-1bn/
ReadIsraeli police sift through ash as they look for teeth and bones to identify Hamas victims, by Danielle Sheridan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/01/israel-victims-body-bags-ash-hamas-gaza/
Read I’d rather be back in Ukraine, say refugee children sent to Israel, by Danielle Sheridan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/31/ukrainian-refugee-children-israel-kfar-chabad/
For 3 months access to The Telegraph for just £1: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/audio |
