Palestine This Week

The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has lost two leaders in 3 months. How will Yahya Sinwar's death in battle change events on the ground in Gaza?Palestine This Week delves into the assassination of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, exploring the contradictory reports surrounding his death and its potential impact on Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.The discussion shifts to the alarming situation in northern Gaza, where Israel is implementing what critics describe as a blueprint for an eradication plan. The show also addresses the widening rifts among Israel's European allies, with France taking a stance against Israeli arms companies and the UK imposing sanctions on organisations supporting illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Germany's position remains contentious, with its foreign minister defending Israel's targeting of civilians in northern Gaza.The episode covers the broader regional implications of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, including Saudi Arabia's media regulator opening an investigation into the Arab world’s largest media agency, MBC, for describing Sinwar as the “new face of terrorism.”  The incident serves as a springboard to explore the limits of state control over public opinion, even in autocratic regimes, in the face of overwhelming Arab solidarity with Palestinians.The discussion is underpinned by recent polls revealing a staggering 94 per cent of Arabs view the US position on Palestine negatively and 92 per cent stand in solidarity with Gazans, raising questions about the potential for popular sentiment to influence state policies across the region including autocracies in the region.Lastly, the show explores the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, analysing Benjamin Netanyahu's claims of an assassination attempt against the Israeli prime minister and the leaked US documents assessing Israel's plans to attack Tehran and concludes with a discussion on recent developments at the International Criminal Court, including allegations against the chief prosecutor and Israel's reported tactics of intimidation against ICC officials investigating potential war crimes.

Israel has called on UN peacekeeping forces to vacate their positions in southern Lebanon or risk coming under attack as it extends its ground invasion into the area. They have refused. Will occupation forces now set their sites on the international task force sent to maintain peace in the area?  The latest episode of Palestine This Week kicks-off with the dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza. With no food entering the region for two weeks and an estimated 400,000people trapped in the area, we explore the devastating impact on civilians and the recent attacks on hospitals and UNRWA schools.In a shocking development, we'll dissect the recent UN inquiry that accuses Israel of the crime of “extermination” in Gaza. Our analysis will unpack the key findings of this report and its potential ramifications for international law and diplomacy.As Isael’s military assault escalates beyond Gaza's borders, we'll examine the occupation state’s recent strikes on civilian areas in Lebanon and the concerning attackon UN peacekeepers. Is the region on the brink of a wider conflict?The global response to the crisis will also be under our microscope. From Germany's decision to send more weapons to Israel to the US’ deployment of troops and antimissile systems, we'll analyse how the international landscape is shifting and what it means for the future of the Middle East.We'll also delve into controversial statements made by former US officials and advisors such as Matt Brodsky who last week urged Israel to “carpet bomb” Irish peacekeepers.  

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity rises following his attacks on Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, is he expanding the war to stay in power or is the Zionist dream of Greater Israel becoming a reality?In the latest episode of Palestine This Week, host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani provide a detailed analysis of the first anniversary of Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza. The pair examine the humanitarian crisis, exploring its historical context within Israel's long-standing policies towards Palestinians and its implications for regional stability.Rabbani offers expert insights into the staggering human cost of the campaign, including the estimated 118,908 casualties – a shocking 5.4% of Gaza's population – and the creation of 18,000 orphans.The conversation then broadens to explore wider geopolitical ramifications, including Iran's recent demonstration of precision strike capabilities, and the role of the US in supporting Israel despite early warnings that it is potentially committing war crimes. After a year of intense military operations, the apartheid state is yet to find peace and security. Why is that the case? And will the continuation of this campaign bring Israel closer to its objectives?The episode concludes with an examination of recent political developments, focusing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's improved standing in Israeli polls. This surge in popularity follows his decision to escalate the conflict beyond Gaza into Yemen, Syria and Lebanon – actions that have resulted in the displacement of over 1.2 million people due to Israeli bombings.Nasim and Mouin challenge the prevailing Western narrative that attributes regional instability primarily to Netanyahu's leadership, posing the critical question: Is the root cause of the ongoing conflict the Israeli prime minister himself, or does it lie deeper within the foundational tenets of Zionism?

Israel assassinated Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah in a Beirut suburb on Friday. Since 23 September at least 7 Hezbollah leaders have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, is this the end of the Lebanese resistance group? Or is Israel's very survival reliant on the existence of its enemies?In the latest episode of Palestine This Week, host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani provide an analysis of Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The show opens with a detailed examination of this high-profile targeted killing, exploring its historical context within Israel's long-standing strategy of assassinations and its potential implications for regional stability.The discussion looks into the strategic significance of Nasrallah's assassination, questioning whether such tactical victories truly bring Israel closer to its goals of security and legitimacy. Rabbani offers expert insights into Hezbollah's potential successors and the organisation's future trajectory in light of last week’s assassination.The conversation then broadens to explore wider geopolitical ramifications, including Iran's dilemma in responding to the assassination, the role of the US in the killing, and the concept of Israel's 'forever war'. Despite decades of assassinations, killing and illegal occupation, the apartheid state is yet to find peace and security. Why is that the case? And will the latest assassinations of several senior Hezbollah members bring Israel closer to peace and security?We also examine Zionist ideology and its reliance on the existence of enemies, offering viewers a deeper understanding of why Zionism needs a constant supply of foes to survive. 

Israel is said to have orchestrated the attack on alleged Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, but which ultimately killed civilians including two children. Are its actions in Lebanon pushing the region to war? In the latest episode of Palestine This Week host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani provide an in-depth analysis of Israel’s shocking attack on Lebanon. The show opens with a detailed look at what many have described as an act of terrorism by the occupation state, after it used booby-trapped pagers and other communications devices to kill alleged Hezbollah members in Lebanon. We explore the motives behind the attack and its potential ramifications, whilst considering the ethical and legal questions surrounding the weaponisation of everyday electronic devices and its impact on global trust in Israeli technology.The discussion then shifts to Hezbollah's response, including their recent rocket attacks on Israeli territory and examines whether these events could lead to a full-scale military confrontation.Rounding out the episode, the hosts explore other significant regional developments, including Israel's closure of Al Jazeera's offices in the occupied West Bank and the recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and what will come from this vote. 

The Jewish Chronicle in the UK, the world's oldest Jewish paper, has been accused of peddling misinformation in an effort to garner support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's genocidal war on Gaza, is this further proof that Tel Aviv hasn't been able to achieve its declared goals in Gaza?In this episode of MEMO's weekly review, host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani discuss the latest round of killing of Israeli hostages by their own government. They examine Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa's ambitious 'day-after' plan for Gaza, while also exploring what UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has described as the systematic targeting of the agency's infrastructure and staff.The conversation turns to the internal political tensions in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly considering the dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over disagreements on military strategy. The podcast then examines the shocking revelations that Israel is offering residency status to African asylum seekers in exchange for participating in dangerous military operations in Gaza and the purported proposal to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for safe passage out of Gaza.Wrapping up the episode, Ahmed and Rabbani tackle media ethics and international diplomacy. They critically analyse the accusations against the UK's Jewish Chronicle newspaper of becoming a propaganda tool for Netanyahu, and reflect on the fourth anniversary of the Abraham Accords and their impact on the Middle East.The episode offers listeners a clear and incisive analysis into the latest stage of Israel’s ethnic cleansing and genocide in Palestine.  

Israel has damaged some 25 kilometres of roads in occupied Jenin and killed an American peace activist, but will any of this bring positive change for Palestinians? Or will Israel continue its assaults with impunity?This episode tackles the expansion of Israel’s genocidal campaign into the illegally occupied West Bank, with a focus on Israel's military assaults in Jenin and the tragic killing of American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. We'll examine the provocative and genocidal rhetoric surrounding the assault on the West Bank and explore the historical significance of Jenin as a centre of resistance.The conversation then shifts to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where we'll discuss the alarming spread of infectious diseases amidst a humanitarian catastrophe. We'll analyse Israel's appointment of a 'Chief Gaza Officer' and what it might signal for the future of the region. Plus, we'll delve into recent developments, including the UN's accusation of Israel conducting a 'starvation campaign' and ABC News' coverage of controversial events from 7 October.Finally, we'll explore the heated debate over control of the Philadelphi Corridor and its impact on potential ceasefire negotiations. With insights on Israel's internal criticisms and the stark warnings from retired Major General Yitzhak Brik about Israel's imminent collapse.Don't miss this crucial discussion on some of the most pressing issues shaping the Middle East today.

Settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is at an all time high, with Israeli ministers backing and arming settlers in an effort to push Palestinians out of their homes and allow for the annexation of their land. But with the head of Israel's security agency Shin Bet referring to this phenomena 'Jewish terrorism', will the policing of settlers be enforced or will occupation forces continue to provide cover for their atrocities?This week's episode of Palestine This Week opens with a discussion about how Israel has effectively kept Palestinians in Gaza in a 'concentration camp' since the 1950s. The discussion draws on the description by Lt Gen E.L.M. Burns, a Canadian military officer who served as Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in 1954. Burns' characterisation of Gaza as a 'vast concentration camp' underscores the enduring nature of Palestinian suffering and the decades-long failure of the international community to address this crisis.Against this historical backdrop, host Nasim Ahmed with guest Mouin Rabbani delve into current developments in the region and examine the call by the ICC prosecutor to reject the objections and delaying tactics against the issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. They also explore recent revelations surrounding Israeli hostages and military assault in Gaza, including further evidence of Israeli forces killing their own hostages in the besieged enclave.The conversation then turns to warnings from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad about potential 'martyrdom attacks'. This discussion provides historical context for such tactics and considers their implications for the current situation. The hosts also address the escalating Jewish settler violence in the occupied West Bank, as highlighted by Israel's own security agency, who described settlers as 'Jewish terrorists'.The podcast concludes with an analysis of current ceasefire proposals and escalation of violence in Lebanon.Don't miss this compelling episode of MEMO's Palestine This Week, where Ahmed and Rabbani offer invaluable insights into Israel’s occupation of Palestine, from its historical roots to its current genocide. 

Join us this week as Nasim Ahmed and Mouin Rabbani reflect on the rising death toll in Gaza, which now stands at over 40,000 - 2 per cent of the population of the Strip - and discuss what this means, while comparing the fatality numbers with recent wars.We're not just sticking to the numbers, we'll be looking at the bigger picture - from the radicalisation of Israeli society to the worrying rise in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where there has been another settler-led pogrom against Palestinians, and civil servants in UK resigning over the Gaza genocide. The surprising news of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas planning a visit to Gaza will be discussed, and we'll be unpacking the latest on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel and what it could mean for ceasefire talks. We'll also be touching on the shocking reports on the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman's fear that he will be assassinated if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel.  Tune in as Nasim and Mouin break it all down, giving you the insights you need to make sense of the latest news. 

Israel hit a shelter school and mosque in Gaza City on Saturday and killed more than 100 Palestinians civilians as they were performing morning prayers, it claims to have killed 19 'militants' but this has already been proven to be untrue. Can Israel continue to spread falsehoods to justify its genocide in Gaza?  This week's Palestine This Week examines the grisly aftermath of Israel's air strike on a Gaza City school sheltering Palestinians, resulting in the death of over 100 Palestinians and injuring many more. The devastating strike has drawn international condemnation and raised serious questions about the ethics and justifications used in Israel’s military conduct. We unpack the claim that the strike targeted Palestinians fighters, which has been debunked.We also analyse the genocidal statement by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said it was 'justified and moral' to starve 2 million Palestinians in Gaza. Referencing Hannah Arendt's 1955 observation about the treatment of Palestinians in Israel, we discuss the normalisation of genocidal rhetoric in Israeli politics and its dangerous implications.Host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani also discuss Israeli right group B’Tselem's latest report on the systematic mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, described as “institutionalised abuse”, before looking into the recent appointment of Yahya Sinwar as the new political leader of Hamas.Finally, the show examines the international community's response to Israel's decision to revoke diplomatic status to Norwegian envoys and a Japanese mayor's unprecedented decision to disinvite Israel from the Nagasaki commemoration ceremony.Join the conversation and stay informed with MEMO's weekly review show.