The Israel-Gaza conflict has long been a flashpoint in the Middle East, with deep-rooted historical📖, political, and humanitarian dimensions🔫. In this post, we’ll explore the key aspects of this ongoing struggle, shedding light on the recent events, underlying tensions, and potential implications for the region.
The Recent Escalation
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, the elected governing authority in Gaza, launched a surprise attack on Israel. The assault resulted in thousands of deaths on both sides and raised concerns about further escalation. But what led to this dramatic escalation, and how might it impact the Middle East’s political landscape?
The Abraham Accords and Regional Dynamics
Before the attack, there were discussions of a “historic peace deal” between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The US-led “Abraham accords,” signed in September 2020, had already shifted the dynamics in the Middle East. While Egypt and Jordan had established diplomatic relations with Israel earlier, the accords signaled a broader normalization process between Israel and Arab states. Saudi Arabia, which had never recognized Israel as a state, was also expected to eventually normalize relations.
However, the recent violence has disrupted any immediate peace initiatives. Saudi Arabia, while not publicly condemning the attacks, has called for de-escalation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the other hand, criticized Hamas for targeting Israeli civilians. Israel recognizes that long-term regional stability still points toward establishing relations with its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Hamas’s Motivation
Hamas’s attack stems from the 16-year blockade of Gaza—a densely populated Palestinian territory where over 2 million people live in challenging conditions. Limited access to electricity and water exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. While the attack was shocking and barbaric, it reflects the desperation caused by the ongoing blockade.
As the conflict continues, questions arise about the role of global powers, the rights of refugees, and the delicate balance between compromise and justice. In the following podcasts experts delve into these complexities, touching on the unraveling of global order, the failures of various parties, and the plight of both Palestinian and Jewish communities.
Listen to these podcasts for a deeper understanding of the conflict
BBC (The Conflict Israel-Gaza)
Lyse Doucet and BBC colleagues analyse what’s going on in Israel and Gaza.
Battlelines Israel-Gaza
With expert and experienced reporting on the ground from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Gaza City and the West Bank, Battle Lines combines on the ground reporting with analytical expertise to aid the listener to better understand the course of the conflict. The best of The Telegraph’s Israel-Palestine reporting in one place.
Unpacking Israeli History
Go behind the scenes of Israeli history with self-confessed history nerd Noam Weissman. Each week, he offers a fresh perspective on some of the most controversial and interesting events in the country’s history. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about what Israel is all about — from multiple angles and viewpoints — this is the podcast for you.
The Ezra Klein Show: How the Israel-Gaza conversations have shaped my thinking
It’s become something of a tradition on “The Ezra Klein Show” to end the year with an “Ask Me Anything” episode. So as 2023 comes to a close, I sat down with our new senior editor, Claire Gordon, to answer listeners’ questions about everything from the Israel-Hamas war to my thoughts on parenting.
Making Sense :Gaza and Global order
Sam Harris speaks with Yuval Noah Harari about the events of October 7th and the resulting war in Gaza. They discuss the unraveling of global order, the failure of the IDF, the incompetence of the Netanyahu government, the goals of Hamas, the Saudi peace treaty, the right of Israel to exist, the status of Palestinian and Jewish refugees, victim and perpetrator narratives, compromise vs justice, the Palestinian citizens of Israel, lessons from WW2, the danger of focusing on the past, the perverse significance of the al-Aqsa Mosque, the double standards to which Israel is held, false analogies to European colonialism, the rise of antisemitism, the future of politics in Israel, America’s role in preserving global order, the war in Ukraine, and other topics.
The Daily : A reporter’s journey into Gaza
As the war against Hamas enters a seventh week, Israel finds itself under intense pressure to justify its actions in Gaza, including the raid of Al-Shifa Hospital, which it says is a center of Hamas activity. Hamas and hospital officials deny the accusation.
Fareed Zakria GPS
This week, Fareed talks with CNN correspondent Ivan Watson from south-eastern Lebanon on recent exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel … and whether the tensions could escalate.
THE HINDU In Focus: History of the Israel-Palestine conflict
The Hindu presents a three-part podcast series that delves deep into the Israel-Palestine conflict
The Broader Implications
As the conflict continues, questions arise about the role of global powers, the rights of refugees, and the delicate balance between compromise and justice. In the following podcasts experts delve into these complexities, touching on the unraveling of global order, the failures of various parties, and the plight of both Palestinian and Jewish communities.