The Take

Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera English correspondent, offers a first-hand account of the crisis in Gaza City amid escalating military actions. He shares vivid stories that illustrate the daily struggles and emotional toll on civilians facing bombardments and displacement. Mahmoud emphasizes the importance of truthful journalism and global solidarity in amplifying Palestinian voices. The conversation sheds light on the urgent humanitarian needs of the people and critiques misaligned proposals for Gaza’s future that ignore their historical context.

Tony Cheng, a Bangkok-based correspondent for Al Jazeera English, discusses the pressing humanitarian crisis faced by over a million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. He shares insights on the dual identity of Cox's Bazar as both a tourist hotspot and a refugee camp. The conversation covers the dwindling aid and financial constraints affecting local support. Cheng highlights the historical neglect by Myanmar’s government and the cultural resilience of the Rohingya people, emphasizing their hope for safe return amidst ongoing struggles.

Jazmin Evans, a kidney transplant patient and PhD student of Africology, dives into her shocking experience with racially biased medical testing. She reveals how this bias delayed her transplant by years. Jazmin discusses the emotional toll this has on patients and highlights the need for community awareness. The conversation also addresses systemic racism in kidney care and the importance of advocacy for equitable healthcare practices. Her inspiring journey shows how sharing personal stories can empower others and prompt necessary change.

This week, a deep dive into the escalating conflict in Gaza reveals the harrowing plight of Palestinians fleeing violence. The crisis has claimed the lives of numerous journalists, sparking concern over press freedom. Meanwhile, the UN has decided to end its mission in southern Lebanon, raising questions about regional stability. Hear about the challenges facing the Lebanese government in disarming Hezbollah and the surge of global protests against Israel, highlighting the power of grassroots activism in shaping political discourse.

Juanita Goebertus Estrada, director at Human Rights Watch, delves into the shocking assassination attempt on Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay by a 15-year-old. She explores the alarming rise of political violence in Colombia, linking it to the country’s dark history and current turmoil. The conversation addresses the socio-economic factors that lead youth to armed groups and questions the future of fair elections in 2026. Goebertus emphasizes the need for resilience and unity among leaders to combat this escalating violence.

Join journalist Murtaza Hussain, who covers national security for Drop Site News, as he delves into the fascinating nexus between Israeli intelligence veterans and U.S. tech firms. They explore how veterans from Israel’s Unit 8200 have infiltrated major companies, shaping data management and cybersecurity policies. Murtaza raises critical questions about privacy implications and the ethical challenges of this influence, especially in light of increasing surveillance capabilities and potential risks to American data security.

Alessandro Rampietti, an Al Jazeera correspondent based in Colombia, delves into the dramatic deployment of U.S. warships to Venezuela. He unpacks the official narrative of combating drug cartels versus the reality of escalating U.S. intervention. Rampietti discusses Venezuela's military responses under Maduro, revealing a country on edge. He highlights the contradictions in U.S. strategies, especially regarding oil interests and historical interventions, raising questions about the true motives behind this military posture.

In this engaging discussion, Samuel J. Redman, a history professor and director of the Public History Program at UMass Amherst, dives into the implications of President Trump's review of Smithsonian exhibits. They explore how historical narratives can be reshaped under political pressure, the dangers of diluting diverse perspectives, and the cultural significance of these museums. Redman also highlights the tension between celebrating American history and addressing its complexities, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Dr. Mimi Syed, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, shares her insights on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. She delves into the implications of the declared famine, highlighting the dire conditions faced by over half a million Palestinians. The discussion includes the shocking targeting of medical facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention. Dr. Syed also addresses the long-term trauma affecting children born into this crisis, pointing out the moral responsibilities of the global community in providing aid.

Constance Malleret, a freelance journalist focused on Brazil’s environmental issues, discusses President Lula da Silva's ambitious pledge to cut Amazon deforestation. She reveals how his government reduced deforestation rates by 50% in just one year. The conversation dives into the complexities of organized crime, illegal mining, and their severe environmental impacts. They explore the challenges faced by indigenous communities and highlight the need for international cooperation to protect the Amazon while managing pressures from powerful agribusiness interests.