Guests, including Sir Geoffrey Nice, Omar Baddar, and Mustafa Barghouti, discuss whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Topics include quotes from Israeli ministers, the definition and parameters of genocide, evidence of genocide, and the failure of global structures to prevent it.
Israeli attacks on the Palestinian population in Gaza can be classified as genocide according to international law due to the specific intent to destroy a national, ethnic, cultural, or religious group.
Israel's actions in Gaza align with the definition of genocide, including the use of biblical texts to justify killing and removal of Palestinians, and the immense scale of the bombing campaign, demonstrating a destructive intent and disregard for civilian lives.
Deep dives
Israel's Actions in Gaza: Accusation of Genocide
According to international law, Israel's targeted attacks on the Palestinian population in Gaza can be classified as genocide. The specific intent to destroy a national, ethnic, cultural, or religious group is a key characteristic of genocide. With a population of 2.3 million people living in less than 100 square miles, Gaza has been under siege by Israel for 17 years. Bombardments with airstrikes, artillery, and tanks have resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people, including 6,000 children. Israel's eviction of Palestinians and the destruction of their homes can also be seen as ethnic cleansing. The international community and governments, including the United States, have been criticized for failing to take action against these war crimes.
The Rhetoric and Intent Behind Israel's Actions
Israel's claims of targeting Hamas rather than civilians and accusing Hamas of using human shields are refuted. The definition of genocide in international law is based on violent attacks with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, cultural, or religious group, which accurately describes Israel's actions in Gaza. Netanyahu's references to biblical texts and evoking historical enmity serve to justify the killing and removal of Palestinians. The immense scale of the bombing campaign, including the use of over 26,000 tons of TNT, reveals the destructive intent and the disregard for civilian lives. The denial of basic necessities like water, food, and electricity further exemplify the genocidal actions of Israel.
Failures of International Structures and the Role of the United States
The international structures and United Nations have been ineffective in preventing and holding Israel accountable for its crimes. The United States, through its frequent use of veto power to shield Israel from accountability, has contributed to the handicapped international order. This has perpetuated a one-sided situation where Israel can use violence with impunity, while Palestinians are denied their basic human rights, dignity, and freedom. The resignation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights director emphasizes the failure of global structures in preventing the genocide of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Real change can only occur when Israel recognizes Palestinians as equals in human rights and dignity, and when the international community takes decisive action against Israel's atrocities.
Several nations are calling Israel's war on Gaza a genocide. An Israeli minister calls for a nuclear attack, and the Prime Minister quotes the Bible, referring to war wiping out enemies of Israel. Is Israel engaged in genocide? And if so, what can be done?
Join Host Nick Clark
Guests:
Sir Geoffrey Nice - Barrister and former war crimes prosecutor.
Omar Baddar - Political Analyst and Member, National Policy Council of the Arab American Institute.
Mustafa Barghouti - Secretary General, Palestinian National Initiative.
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