The Israeli-Palestinian War
The death toll of Palestinians in Gaza will soon surpass 20,000 with many more wounded. The UN says Gaza is “a graveyard for children.” The history of the Israeli-Palestinian war did not begin on October 7. While the atrocities of that day cannot and should not be excused, they have to be located in the context of decades of Israeli annexation, occupation, sieges, blockades and extrajudicial killings of Palestinians. Thousands of Palestinians are in Israeli prisons being held without trial or charges. Illegal Israeli settlements continue to grow and expand. Meanwhile, while all attention, understandably is on Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has seen several hundred Palestinians killed by the Israeli army and by rampaging settlers since October 7. The Jewish Voice for Peace organization denounces U.S. complicity with Israel’s never-ending occupation saying, “The unchecked military-funding and diplomatic cover enables and empowers Israel’s apartheid regime. Those who continue calling for ‘ironclad’ U.S. support for the Israeli military are only paving the path to more violence.”
Recorded at the Sanctuary for Independent Media.
Speaker
Chris Hedges
Chris Hedges is an award-winning independent journalist who has covered the Middle East for many years. Noam Chomsky says, “Chris Hedges has compiled a remarkable record of reporting and analysis. He has been an incomparable source of insight and understanding, both in his outstanding career as a courageous journalist and in his penetrating commentary on world events.” He is the host of The Chris Hedges Report and the author of many books. His latest is The Greatest Evil is War.
Bill Hunt –
Chris Hedges is a powerful writer and speaker. I shared his tear when he was reading his letter to the Gazan children at the end of his presentation. I’ve read – and seen – architectural plans for construction of high end housing. I’ve seen a YouTube video about building a canal through Gaza to compete with the Suez canal. Many Zionists claim Palestine as their historic homeland. It isn’t. The OT book of Joshua tells that he sent his soldiers into Palestine and massacred the people who where living there. The Nakba is a repeat of that history.
From a listener in St Petersburg, FL –
Honestly one of the best presentations I’ve ever heard. “We tried but we did not try hard enough” will stay with me.
Gigi Giacomara, Ancram NY –
Thank you, Chris, for doing what you do, for bringing us truth, for telling it like it is. I am appalled by and ashamed of the continued support of Israel by the U.S. I pray you will be protected in your travels and endeavors. I remember you from Colgate; I don’t think you’d remember me. You inspire me to continue to do what I can to help people who suffer from oppression, prejudice, irrational fear.
From Los Angeles Listener –
Hedges was a home run. I heard him on KPFK.
From a listener in the Santa Barbara area –
Loved the Chris Hedges talk on Alternative Radio this morning on 91.9FM.
From a listener in Tampa –
Hedges is one of the few living humans that I can listen to for more than 20 minutes!
Mitchel Cohen –
I just this moment heard the recording of Chris Hedges’ talk in Troy New York on WBAI radio. To say that I was extremely moved by it would be the understatement of the year.
Once again, I can’t stop crying. Once again, I am just sooo appalled at what the Israeli state is doing, and doing so in my name and in the name of Jews everywhere.
Once again, I find myself in strong opposition to the government of THIS country, the U.S., for its funding and facilitating of the mass murder of the people of Palestine and of children there in particular.
And once again, I have to thank Chris Hedges for daring to CARE, to tell the truth, as the Masters of War transform what sometimes is and should be the beauty of Life on this planet into an utterly insane, ugly, and genocidal lunacy in which we are all — like it or not — complicit.
In the name of humanity, STOP THE BOMBING OF GAZA. NO U.S. FUNDS TO ISRAEL. STOP THE OCCUPATION. LET THE HUGE AMOUNT OF NEEDED FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE INTO GAZA. NOW.
David Rountree Smith –
Heard this while driving to an Optometrist appointment. BEST information and TRUTH I’ve ever heard about Gaza and the plight of Palestinians!
Chris Hedges is a modern day, Prophet!
From a listener in WA State –
Hedges is a modern-day prophet!