Barak Ravid: Israel and Hamas closer to perpetual war than a ceasefire
Sep 5, 2024
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Barak Ravid, a seasoned journalist specializing in the Middle East for Axios, discusses the intense escalation of conflict following the discovery of murdered Israeli hostages. He highlights the widespread protests in Israel and the consequent political turmoil, shedding light on the public's frustration with the government's response. Ravid dives into the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where diseases resurge amid violence. His insights paint a grim outlook for ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing the complex factors fueling this ongoing conflict.
The execution of Israeli hostages by Hamas has significantly escalated tensions and hampered ceasefire negotiations, complicating the route to peace.
Widespread protests in Israel reflect public frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu's government response to the hostage crisis and growing calls for immediate elections.
Deep dives
Escalation of Violence and Hostage Situation
The recent execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, intensifying protests across Israel. This tragic event occurred shortly after the Israeli Defense Forces rescued another hostage, showcasing the desperation of Hamas to prevent future rescues by executing captives. The discovery of the murdered hostages has severely hindered ongoing ceasefire negotiations, further complicating the path to peace. Consequently, the conflict has reached a new chapter, with the Israeli public expressing mounting frustration over the government's handling of the situation.
Protests Against Government Leadership
The Israeli public has responded to the deteriorating situation with widespread protests, rekindling sentiments from previous movements aimed at stopping the judicial overhaul earlier this year. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets, demonstrating against Prime Minister Netanyahu and calling for urgent action regarding the hostage crisis. This resurgence in activism indicates a growing dissatisfaction with the government, as many Israelis believe that Netanyahu is prioritizing his political survival over the lives of hostages. Polls reveal that a significant majority of the population desires immediate elections and views the government's delay in securing a hostage deal as unacceptable.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly two million civilians are suffering in an increasingly dire situation. With ongoing fighting and a fractured infrastructure, many Palestinians face critical shortages of basic necessities and healthcare. Compounding this issue, recent reports indicate a resurgence of diseases, such as polio, which had been previously eradicated in the region, highlighting the catastrophic health implications of prolonged warfare. This humanitarian disaster underscores the complexity of the conflict, as civilian populations on both sides endure significant suffering in the ongoing violence.
Hundreds of thousands have been taking to the streets in Israel, ever since the bodies of six murdered Israeli hostages were found last week in a tunnel in Gaza. It marked an escalation by Hamas, Axios' Barak Ravid tells Niala Boodhoo. Ravid has been covering the war since the start, and reporting on the Middle East for his entire career. As we approach the one year anniversary of the start of this conflict, he brings us inside the negotiations, the protests, and the stark reality of this new chapter in the war.
Guest: Barak Ravid, political reporter and Middle East expert for Axios covering foreign policy and the 2024 election.
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.
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