Zachary Foster, a Jewish historian with a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University who specialises in Palestinian history and identity, spoke to me about the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
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He examined the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how US foreign policy plays a big role, drawing on his research into how Israel has repeatedly rejected peace negotiations with Hamas on multiple occasions.
He also spoke about the foundations of Zionism, the formation of Hamas, and that the majority of Jews in Israel support ethnic cleansing.
Watch the following short video:
In other words, Israel boosted Hamas to thwart any hopes of a two-state solution, and wanted to be attacked so that it had a reason to flatten Gaza.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (2019)
It gets worse.
The Israeli government told the IDF to stand down for a few hours, allowing 'October 7' to happen.
Why?
Well, because, the presence of Hamas in the remaining Palestinian territories might provide, one day, the necessary pretext for a 'final solution' to the Palestinian question.
– IDF Major General Gershon Hacohen (2019)
🎙️ Podcast episode
This episode with Zachary was recorded for my UK Column show. Please support us so we can maintain our independence.
You can, of course, listen to the audio version on most podcast apps.
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Talking points
- The current situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including conditions and governance, particularly under Hamas.
- The historical roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the development of Zionism and the emergence of Palestinian identity.
- The U.S.-Israel alliance, its historical context, and evolving global perceptions of Israel.
- Debates around Israel's legitimacy, self-defence claims, and its status as a Jewish state.
- Shifts in regional dynamics, including Hamas's rise and changing public sentiment in Israel.
— Charles Freeman, US diplomat and ambassador (2006)
