Economist Podcasts Offensive: UN calls it genocide, Israel persists
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Sep 17, 2025 
Angel Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, provides deep insights into the severe accusations of genocide against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. He discusses the urgent humanitarian crisis and Netanyahu's unwavering military stance. Matthew Holhouse, the British politics correspondent, delves into the implications of Donald Trump's state visit to Britain amidst rising Trumpism. They also share unexpected insights into quirky culinary trends in China and innovative life hacks that reflect youth creativity during tough times.
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UN Classifies Gaza Actions As Genocide
- A UN commission concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide and urged action from member states.
- Israel rejected the report, calling it a libelous rant and disputing its data and conclusions.
Slow, Encircling Offensive In Gaza City
- Two Israeli divisions are slowly advancing and encircling Gaza City from three directions while urging civilians to move south.
- Large parts of Gaza City were already destroyed in October 2023 and over half a million people remain with limited escape options.
Hamas Degraded But Not Eliminated
- Israel's stated goal is to destroy Hamas as a fighting and governing force, but key Hamas leadership and many capabilities were already degraded.
- Hamas still operates as a guerrilla force with thousands of fighters and extensive tunnels that Israel has only partly destroyed.