10/16/23 Dave DeCamp on the Gaza Hospital Explosion and the Risk of a Wider War
Oct 20, 2023
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Dave DeCamp, news editor of Antiwar.com, discusses the Gaza hospital explosion and the risk of a wider war. They analyze conflicting reports on the cause of the explosion and discuss suspicions of Israeli involvement. The chapter also covers the potential for a ground invasion in Gaza, tensions in North Korea, and escalating tensions between the US, North Korea, and South Korea.
Conflicting narratives surrounding the Gaza hospital explosion highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the risk of a wider regional conflict.
President Biden's full support for Israel amid the airstrikes in Gaza raises concerns of potential direct U.S. intervention and escalation of the conflict.
Deep dives
Hospital attack in Gaza and conflicting narratives
There was an explosion in the parking lot of a hospital in Gaza, with conflicting narratives about who is responsible. Initially, it was reported that Israeli airstrikes hit the hospital, causing a high death toll. However, later evidence showed that there was an explosion in the parking lot and the hospital was still standing. The Israeli side claims it was a misfired Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket. Regardless, hundreds of people were killed and many were sheltering in hospitals due to evacuation orders.
Possible repercussions and calls for restraint
The hospital attack and the ongoing conflict led to massive protests across the Middle East. Protests prompted some countries, such as Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to contact Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and urge him to restrain from further escalation. The Sunni nations fear that a full-scale Israeli invasion of Gaza would further empower Iran and damage their credibility. There are concerns that direct U.S. intervention may occur if Hezbollah joins the fight. The situation remains tense, with the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Escalation dynamics and U.S. involvement
Despite the hospital bombing and the ongoing airstrikes in Gaza, President Biden expressed full support for Israel during his visit. This support could potentially embolden Israel to proceed with a ground invasion. The fear is that Hezbollah's involvement could trigger direct U.S. intervention, leading to a wider war. The U.S. has deployed additional military assets to the region and is reportedly preparing an authorization of the use of military force. The situation in Gaza remains grim, with thousands of casualties and heavy bombardment.
Dave DeCamp was back on Antiwar Radio this week to discuss what’s going on in Gaza. They started with the explosion at a hospital in Gaza City that kicked off protests around the region, despite debate over the cause. They then took a step back and talked about the broader geopolitical forces at work before finishing with a quick mention of Biden’s provocative policy towards North Korea.