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It Could Happen Here

What's Happening To Gaza Under Trump: An Update with Dana El-Kurd

Feb 13, 2025
Dana El-Kurd, an assistant professor of political science and a noted commentator on Middle Eastern politics, joins to discuss the troubling potential annexation of Gaza announced by Trump. They analyze the implications of this controversial move on Israeli leadership perceptions and international relations. The conversation also highlights the hazards of unexploded munitions, the intersection of U.S. foreign policy and real estate ambitions, and the challenges to academic freedom regarding Palestinian discourse in America.
30:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's announcement has normalized extreme Israeli military actions in Gaza, heightening regional instability and concerns among neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt.
  • The significant censorship in academia surrounding Palestine critically undermines academic freedom and open dialogue, reflecting broader societal consequences of political dissent.

Deep dives

Impact of Trump's Announcement on Gaza

Trump's recent announcement to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian population from Gaza has sparked significant concern and chaos, even within Israeli political circles. By implying that the region would be transformed into American condos, the announcement has fundamentally shifted the perceived limits of Israeli actions in Gaza. This new 'permission structure' allows for more aggressive military strategies and reinforces narratives that can label remaining civilians as combatants, thus justifying further violence. The Israeli reaction indicates an unsettling acceptance of more extreme policies that were previously unthinkable.

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