A Brief History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The world’s eyes are on Gaza and Hamas. Hamas is an acronym in Arabic for the Islamic Resistance Movement. Here’s a bit of history, usually ignored. Gaza came under Israeli military control in 1967. That continued for thirty-eight years until 2005. Since 2007, it has been subjected to a punishing Israeli-imposed siege and blockade and a series of bloody wars. Israel says it acts in self-defense responding to Hamas rocket attacks. But nothing compares to the death and destruction of the current war. Tens of thousands of Palestinians and 1200 Israelis have been killed. Without a knowledge of history, we are susceptible to manipulation. To give background is not to condone or excuse war crimes on either side. It’s to provide an understanding of the origins of the conflict. As UN Secretary-General Guterres said, “The attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum.”
Speaker
Norman Finkelstein
Norman Finkelstein is a distinguished independent scholar. He has long focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is the author of many books, including Beyond Chutzpah, The Holocaust Industry, and Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom. He is the subject of the documentary film American Radical.
Rahul Majumdar –
Dr. Finkelstein’s insight scholarship shines through once again in a very accessible presentation that helps us cut through typical mainstream spin on the never-ending Israel-Palestine conflict. To those who complain about an alleged lack of balance in Finkelstein’s historical recap, please tune into your friendly neighborhood NYT and WaPo to see what you’re missing. Surely, it’s not very much…
John Morgan –
Norman Finkelstein is one of the most authoritative truth tellers about this conflict, thank you for having him on!
Elvin Martenz –
I am Jewish, and I am conflicted and ashamed about Israel’s current strategy in Gaza. I think it would only be fair to have another expert present during Mr. Finklestein’s presentation to present a complete picture. At least the NYT and the Washington Post publish separately a variety of opinions and editorials that are clearly marked as opinions and editorials. Please present us with a debate – not with a distorted, one-sided presentation.
eedy Parker –
I needed this history and I am very grateful for this.
Truth –
I am Jewish, and believe the State of Israel has failed to establish a Jewish homeland.
LOUIS N HAFERMEHL –
Thought it an excellent synopsis of the history as to how the Israeli/Palestinian conflict from 1948 onward has brought us to where that genocidal conflict is today, 11/10/23. Thank you, Mr Finkelstein. Thank you Alternative Radio!