Downstream: Israel Will Never Be Safe While Occupying Palestine w/ Yousef Alhelou
Feb 19, 2024
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The podcast delves into the impact of the Gaza conflict, uncovering injustices faced by Palestinians, exploring challenges of a one-state solution, advocating for sanctions on Israel, redefining safety in the conflict, and discussing political dynamics in Gaza. The conversation also touches on US support for Israel, contrasting Trump and Biden's approaches.
A political solution benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians is necessary to end suffering in Gaza.
Ambitious pursuit of education by Palestinians hindered by Israel's targeting of educational infrastructure.
International sanctions needed to pressure Israel into complying with international law and addressing discrimination in Gaza.
Deep dives
Need for a Political Solution for Israelis and Palestinians
According to a journalist from Gaza, there needs to be a political solution that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians. The ongoing military operation in Gaza has resulted in a massive loss of life, but Israel has not achieved its political objectives. The dismemberment of Hamas remains incomplete, and Hamas is still in power in Gaza. A political solution that recognizes the rights and needs of both sides is seen as necessary to avoid further suffering.
Growing Up in Gaza: A Childhood Shaped by Conflict
The journalist, who is originally from Gaza, shared his experiences of growing up in a war-torn region. He described hearing explosions, seeing destruction, and facing curfews and IDF soldiers. Despite these challenges, he sought to become a journalist to give a voice to his people and convey their suffering to the world. He highlighted the impact of the conflict on the mindset of young people, including frustration, anger, and a desire for freedom and liberation.
Education as a Key to Empowerment in Palestine
Education is highly valued among Palestinians, even in poor families who strive to attend universities. However, Israel's targeting of educational institutions has had a detrimental impact on educational opportunities in Palestine. Destroying universities and schools, restricting access, and cutting off essential resources hinder the pursuit of education and improvement of livelihoods. Palestinians assert that education is crucial and indispensable, and they seek an end to such attacks on educational infrastructure.
The Call for Sanctions to Hold Israel Accountable
The journalist calls for international pressure on Israel through sanctions to hold the country accountable for its actions. The current international support for Israel is seen as complicit in allowing Israel to violate international law with impunity. Sanctions are seen as a way to push Israel to change its strategies and policies towards Gaza, address discrimination, and move towards a just and lasting solution in the region.
The Suffering in Gaza and Israel's Role
The podcast episode discusses the suffering in Gaza caused by Israel and emphasizes that this suffering will not resolve the conflict or lead to stability. The people of Gaza are experiencing extreme hardships with no access to drinking water, food, or proper shelter. The podcast highlights that Israel's actions have created deep hatred and it will take years for the people of Gaza to heal from the suffering and humiliation inflicted upon them.
Social Media and Changing Perceptions
The episode explores the role of social media in raising awareness about the Palestinian cause. It is noted that social media platforms allow for unfiltered content and videos directly from Gaza, providing a different perspective than traditional Western media outlets. This has led to an increase in support for justice and the Palestinian people, especially among younger generations who are interested in learning more about the root causes of the conflict. The podcast asserts that social media will continue to have a significant impact and change people's perception of the situation in Palestine.
Yousef Alhelou has spent the four or so months since October 7th covering the Israeli assault on Gaza through his Instagram account. In that time, his audience has grown by hundreds of thousands. Aaron sat down with Yousef to talk about international law, the genocide in Gaza and Britain’s complicity in it.
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