The New Statesman: politics and culture Palestine Action arrests "will bring the law into disrepute" | Jonathan Dimbleby interview
Aug 18, 2025
Jonathan Dimbleby, a veteran broadcaster and journalist known for his insightful coverage of the Palestinian conflict, discusses the republishing of his 1978 book, 'The Palestinians'. He dives into the evolving Palestinian identity and critiques the UK government's response, calling for a more assertive stance and highlighting the issues surrounding arms trade. The conversation also touches on the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, exploring its societal implications and emphasizing the importance of human stories in understanding the ongoing conflict.
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Personal Origin Story
- Jonathan Dimbleby traces his interest to his father's BBC reporting from Bergen-Belsen and a vow that such horrors must never recur.
- That background drove him to document Palestinian lives and correct political untruths like Golda Meir's claim there was no Palestinian people.
How Early British Policy Shaped The Conflict
- Dimbleby argues the Balfour Declaration and subsequent British policy birthed the Middle East tragedy by privileging Zionism over indigenous inhabitants' wishes.
- He asserts ambiguous promises and elite commitments made reconciliation extremely difficult from the start.
Two-State Prospect Fading
- Dimbleby warns the two-state solution is vanishing as Netanyahu pursues total occupation and possible expulsion in Gaza.
- He believes decisive pressure (not yet applied by the US or Europe) is needed to prevent further ethnic cleansing and mass displacement.
