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Norman Finkelstein and Chris Hedges discuss Israel, Gaza, Oct. 7 at Princeton

The Real News Network・62 minutes read

The ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic hunger, extreme deprivation, and widespread suffering, with over 30,000 deaths since October 2023, including many children. The event aims to shed light on the political realities behind the genocide, urging people to learn about the history of Palestine and Israeli violence while grappling with moral dilemmas in condemning atrocities.

Insights

  • Over 70% of people in Gaza are suffering from catastrophic hunger, leading to 25 deaths, including babies and children, due to dehydration and starvation, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
  • The shift from liberal Zionism to religious Zionism in Israel has resulted in a lack of left-wing representation, with a majority supporting force in Gaza, showcasing a significant ideological transformation within Israeli politics that impacts its approach to the conflict.

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Recent questions

  • What is the ongoing situation in Gaza?

    The ongoing situation in Gaza involves a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 70% of the population suffering from catastrophic hunger. Many people resort to scavenging, eating grass, and drinking polluted water due to extreme hunger. Miscarriages among pregnant women have increased by 300% due to malnutrition and stress. Israel has killed over 30,000 people in Gaza, with a significant number being children. The region faces immense horrors, with many livestreaming their pain and trauma.

  • How has Israel's response impacted Gaza?

    Israel's response to events in Gaza has been devastating, with over 30,000 people killed, including a significant number of children. All universities in Gaza have been bombed, and only a fraction of hospitals are functional. More than 1,000 children have undergone amputations without anesthesia. The deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has exacerbated the crisis, leading to catastrophic hunger and malnutrition among the population.

  • What is the global response to the Gaza situation?

    Globally, there has been minimal resistance to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, similar to the lack of action during historical genocides. Despite claims of a "plausible" genocide case, the severity of the situation is emphasized. Humanitarian aid to Gaza has been significantly reduced, impacting the population. However, there have been inspiring acts of solidarity and activism, particularly from young people and countries like South Africa, highlighting the need for international support.

  • How has the United States contributed to the Gaza conflict?

    The United States plays a significant role in supporting Israel due to strategic interests and fear of emboldening resistance groups like Hamas. Speculation suggests that campaign contributions from the Jewish billionaire class influence US support for Israel, impacting political decisions. The violation of international and domestic laws by the US in supporting Israel has been criticized, emphasizing the importance of legal mechanisms in restraining such actions.

  • What are the potential solutions to the Gaza crisis?

    Israel's potential solutions to the Gaza issue range from ethnic cleansing to genocide, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The shift from liberal Zionism to religious Zionism in Israel has resulted in a lack of left-wing representation, with a majority supporting force in Gaza. The historical left-wing stance of Israel has transitioned to a right-wing dominance, impacting settlement building and political ideologies. The speaker expresses concern that if a problem arises, it is of Israel's making, referencing past events and warnings from Israeli moral philosophers.

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Summary

00:00

Israeli Genocide in Gaza: Uncovering Horrors

  • The event is a conversation on the ongoing Israeli genocide on Gaza with guests Norman Finkel and Chris Hedges.
  • The event is supported by Princeton Muslim Advocates for Social Justice, the Center for Collaborative History, and the Department of Near East Studies.
  • Over 70% of people in Gaza suffer from catastrophic hunger, with 25 deaths, including babies and children, due to dehydration and starvation.
  • Scavenging, eating grass, and drinking polluted water are common in Gaza due to extreme hunger.
  • Miscarriages among pregnant women in Gaza have increased by 300% due to malnutrition and stress.
  • Israel has killed over 30,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, with close to 14,000 being children.
  • All universities in Gaza have been bombed, and only 12 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional.
  • More than 1,000 children have undergone amputations without anesthesia since the beginning of Israel's genocide in Gaza.
  • Palestinians in Gaza have faced immense horrors due to Israel's assaults, with many livestreaming their pain and trauma.
  • The event aims to confront the political reality behind the ongoing genocide in Gaza and urges people to learn about the history of Palestine and Israeli violence.

20:29

Moral struggles in condemning atrocities and combatants

  • The speaker struggles with condemning atrocities while grappling with the distinction between combatants and civilians.
  • They express sympathy for civilians killed but question the classification of combatants, especially if they were attending a music festival.
  • The speaker admits to moral struggles in condemning perpetrators of atrocities despite recognizing the magnitude of the acts.
  • They defer to Professor Chomsky for moral judgment but face a dilemma when he is unavailable.
  • The speaker reflects on the Nat Turner rebellion and the moral stance taken by abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison.
  • They discuss the horrors of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the impact of periodic military operations in Gaza.
  • The Israeli reaction to an event on October 7th is analyzed, focusing on bloodlust revenge, fear of loss of deterrent capability, and a desire to end the Gaza problem.
  • Israel's response includes a desire to restore its deterrent capacity, especially after a perceived weakening following the event on October 7th.
  • The speaker discusses Israel's potential solutions to the Gaza issue, ranging from ethnic cleansing to genocide.
  • The deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza is highlighted, contrasting with attempts to portray the issue as a technical challenge.

44:52

Israel's Legitimacy Crisis and US Support

  • The Arab and Muslim world has realized the impossibility of coexisting with the current state of Israel, leading to a call for its removal.
  • Israel is facing a legitimacy crisis, with South Africa supporting Gaza and Senator Schumer acknowledging the need for change within Israel.
  • The shift from liberal Zionism to religious Zionism in Israel has resulted in a lack of left-wing representation, with a majority supporting force in Gaza.
  • The historical left-wing stance of Israel has transitioned to a right-wing dominance, with a significant change in settlement building and political ideologies.
  • The United States plays a role in supporting Israel due to strategic interests and fear of emboldening resistance groups like Hamas.
  • Speculation suggests that campaign contributions from the Jewish billionaire class influence US support for Israel, impacting political decisions.
  • Gaza has been a focal point of conflict, with personal experiences during the war highlighting the intensity and impact on the region.

01:07:57

Gaza's Genocide: Global Inaction and Solidarity

  • 3 to 400 shells daily resulted in 4 to 5 deaths and 2 dozen wounded daily, contrasting with Gaza's higher casualties.
  • Gaza's health Ministry's numbers are likely undercounts, with tens of thousands missing.
  • Gaza's intense bombing, despite its small size, is compared to historical genocides.
  • Resistance to the Gaza situation is minimal globally, akin to the lack of action during the Holocaust.
  • Despite rhetoric, weapons shipments to Gaza continue, sustaining the conflict.
  • Hitler's actions during the Holocaust were facilitated by war, unlike the open genocide in Gaza.
  • Gaza's situation is labeled as genocide, with confirmed numbers from multiple studies.
  • Despite claims of a "plausible" genocide case, the severity of the situation is emphasized.
  • Humanitarian aid to Gaza has been significantly reduced, impacting the population.
  • Inspiring acts of solidarity and activism, particularly from young people and South Africa, are highlighted.

01:30:18

"Israel Supply Corridor Raises Ethical Concerns"

  • The blockade imposed by the Houthis is circumvented by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, creating a land corridor to supply Israel with goods.
  • The speaker expresses concern that if a problem arises, it is of Israel's making, referencing past events and warnings from Israeli moral philosophers.
  • Certain individuals have rhetorical privileges based on their background, leading to different responses and judgments.
  • A person from Gaza emotionally recounts the impact of Israeli actions on their family, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  • The ICJ decision accusing Israel of genocide is seen as a potent weapon for justice advocates, potentially reshaping opinions and challenging Israel's actions.
  • The speaker discusses the violation of international and domestic laws by the US in supporting Israel, emphasizing the importance of legal mechanisms in restraining such actions.
  • Criticism is directed at Jared Kushner's comments on Gaza's waterfront properties, questioning potential future policies under Trump and criticizing Kushner's background and actions.
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