Meron Rapoport, a 30-year veteran of the Israeli news industry and current editor at Local Call, dives deep into the charged topic of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. He explores the harrowing personal stories of displaced civilians, scrutinizes controversial military perspectives, and highlights alarming political rhetoric reminiscent of historical calamities. Rapoport discusses the complexities of reporting on the ongoing conflict and reflects on the resilience of the Palestinian people amidst allegations of genocide and a potential ‘Second Nakba.’
The podcast explores personal stories of displacement in northern Gaza, highlighting the emotional and physical toll on civilians amidst escalating violence.
Experts discuss the complex implications of labeling Israel's actions as ethnic cleansing, connecting current military strategies to historical events like the Nakba.
Deep dives
The Human Toll of Displacement
The podcast highlights the harrowing experiences of displaced individuals from northern Gaza, forced to flee due to escalating violence and military operations. Among these stories is Kamal, a young boy searching for his sister after Israeli tanks invaded his neighborhood, leaving him alone with only the clothes on his back. Another poignant account features an older woman carrying her belongings while assisting her blind husband, showcasing the resilience of families amidst chaos. Additionally, Isra, a mother nursing an injured hand, recounts the traumatic loss of her son, emphasizing the profound emotional and physical toll of the conflict on civilian life.
Ethnic Cleansing as Policy
The episode delves into the controversial concept of ethnic cleansing within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, revealing the systematic efforts to displace Palestinians in Gaza. Mehran Rapoport discusses how military strategies during the ongoing war aim to drive the civilian population south, exacerbated by airstrikes and shortages of food and medicine. This systematic destruction of residential areas raises concerns about the legitimacy of these actions according to international law and highlights the long-term implications for Palestinian identity and presence in the region. The discussion points to the alarming rhetoric from some Israeli officials regarding plans to depopulate areas of Gaza, further illustrating the tension between military objectives and humanitarian considerations.
The Legacy of Nakba and Future Implications
The podcast connects historical events, like the Nakba of 1948, to the current conflict dynamics, exploring the implications of governmental rhetoric calling for a 'second Nakba.' This framing suggests an ideological continuation of the expulsion and displacement of Palestinians, further entrenching divisions and perpetuating violence. Rapoport articulates a belief that the current military operations may indeed be leading to a new form of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, reflecting a widespread disregard for their rights. Through this lens, the episode raises crucial questions about coexistence and the potential for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in equality, despite the challenges posed by deep-rooted historical grievances.
The charge of ethnic cleansing is not, on its own, considered a crime under international law. Experts consider it to be part of the overall charge of genocide.
In this episode we take listeners to northern Gaza and examine the words and actions of politicians, academics and settlements organizations in order to better understand whether Israel is perpetrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
Our guest is Meron Rapoport, a 30-year veteran of the Israeli news industry who formerly worked as the head of news at Israel's Ha’aretz newspaper. Today he’s an editor at the Israeli publication Local Call. He joins the show to discuss whether Israel is guilty of committing a program of ethnic cleansing, and the prospect of a ‘Second Nakba’ in Gaza.