Palestine This Week

Will the International Criminal Court's announcement that it seeks to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials bring an end to Israel's bombing of Gaza? Watch Palestine This Week and join the discussion. In this week’s review, we dive into the death of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash, examining the implications for Iran's internal politics and international relations. We also discuss the key development on the legal front following the groundbreaking move by the International Criminal Court seeking to issue arrest warrants for key Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. As the number of resignations continues to grow both in Washington and Israel as a result of Netanyahu's handling of the war on Gaza, we discuss Benny Gantz's ultimatum and demand for a clear post-war governance plan for Gaza, while discussing the US's shifting focus towards helping Israel declare a semblance of victory. In light of the developments in Israel and Gaza, we look at the timing of US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's visit to Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Israel has announced that it has launched a renewed military offensive on the Jabaliya camp in the north of Gaza, an area it had 'cleared' of resistance fighters. Are Hamas fighters gaining strength?Tune in to the latest episode of MEMO’s weekly review show with host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani. In this edition we delve into CNN's shocking report on the abuse and torture of Palestinians in an Israeli military detention centre, the resurgence of Al-Qassam fighters in northern Gaza, and the growing disagreement between the US and Israel over the offensive in Rafah.The show also examines the controversy surrounding the UN's revised figures of civilian casualties, Egypt's decision to join the genocide lawsuit against Israel, and the UN General Assembly's vote to back thePalestinian bid for membership. Additionally, we analyse US President Joe Biden's comments on Hamas being motivated by "ancient hatreds" and the implications of the State Department's report on Israel's actions in Gaza. Join us for an insightful and informative discussion on the critical issues from the past week.

As Israel begins its ground invasion of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, Palestine This Week looks at the timing of the offensive, which has been launched despite a framework for a ceasefire being on the table. Host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani discuss the talks to agree a truce and what they mean for Palestinians on the ground and, as Israel expands its military attacks on Gaza, what the global response will be.Over the past week, the US has advanced the controversial Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish hate, in a move that could silence pro-Palestine activism both on and off campus. But America isn’t only working to silence criticism of the occupation state within its borders, the ICC has called on US officials to stop issuing threats against its personnel as they look into possible Israeli war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.  Join Ahmed and Rabbani as they unpack what all this could mean for the region and for activists calling for peace for Palestinians.

The US has pushed to end college protests calling for an end to the war on Gaza, while delaying plans to sanction Israeli soldiers who are accused of human rights violations against Palestinians. Is America undermining its own freedoms to support Israel's genocide? This episode of MEMO's review show dives into the crucial events that have shaped the last week, beginning with the latest updates on the International Court of Justice's genocide case against Israel. Remarks by the former head of the ICJ Joan Donoghue sparked debate, with some suggesting that the ICJ did not find sufficient evidence to support claims of genocide. Is that really the case?Host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani share their views on an important intervention by Amos Goldberg, a Holocaust and genocide researcher at the Hebrew University, who said “Yes, it is genocide,” before sharing a ground-breaking report that sheds light on Israel's bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital. According to the report, this bombing was not only a tragic event but also served as a test case for Israel to gauge the response of the West before launching its campaign to dismantle Gaza's entire health system.We also explore the implications of US troops beginning construction on President Biden's long-awaited pier in Gaza, while discussing efforts by the West to prevent the International Crimincal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior figures in his war cabinet. Events in the US also take centre stage, as riot police have been sent to dismantle anti-war solidarity encampments on university campuses and the Biden Administration delays imposing sanctions on an extremist Israeli battalion which is widely accused of human rights violations in the occupied West Bank. We ask, Is America undermining its own freedoms and democracy to support a genocide?

The bodies of more than 280 Palestinians have been found in a mass grave in the grounds of Nasser Hospital in Gaza, most too decomposed  to be identified. With proof of Israel's war crimes once again coming to light, will the US use its powers to protect the occupation state at the ICC? Watch this week's episode as host Nasim Ahmed discusses what measures America can take to help Israel get away with its abuses. This week’s podcast sheds light on the horrifying discovery of mass graves in Gaza, containing more than 280 bodies at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Beginning with news of Israel’s failure to provide any evidence linking 12 UNRWA staff to the 7 October attack, the discussion explores the potential impact of arrest warrants being issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the occupation army by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Host Nasim Ahmed and regular guest Mouin Rabbani discuss the "emergency meeting" held at the Prime Minister's Office to fend off these warrants and the implications of the American Service-Members' Protection Act, a US law that authorises the president to use all means necessary to secure the release of any person from the ICC. Could the US use its leverage yet again to shield Israel from accountability?Other topics covered in this thought-provoking episode include Hamas's readiness to dissolve its military wing if a Palestinian state is established on the 1967 borders, the recent US veto at the UN, Israel's response to Iran's rocket attack, the US imposing sanctions on Israeli military units, and the intense protests at Columbia University. Tune in to MEMO's weekly review for an in-depth analysis of these critical issues and their impact on the region and the world.

 How has Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel changed dynamics in the Middle East and has it done more to help Tel Aviv's standing on an international stage than show Tehran's military might? This week's episode looks at the implications of the manoeuvre and Jordan's defence of Israel.In this week's MEMO review show Nasim Ahmed and his regular guest Mouin Rabbani delve into the latest developments in the Middle East, focusing on Iran's retaliatory attack against Israel and its far-reaching implications. This episode offers a thought-provoking analysis of the complex geopolitical situation, exploring the motives behind Iran's decision to strike directly from its territory and the potential consequences of this move.As the discussion unfolds, Ahmed and Rabbani examine the international community's response to the escalating tensions, questioning the wisdom behind the US, UK and France in opposing a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's attack on Iran's consular building in Damascus earlier this month. They also consider the possibility that Iran's retaliation may have played into Israel's hands, shifting focus away from the atrocities in Gaza and providing Benjamin Netanyahu with the confrontation he has long sought.With the looming threat of a wider regional conflict, this episode explores the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the potential for further escalation. Ahmed and Rabbani assess the positions of key players such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China and Russia, while also examining Jordan's involvement in Israel's defence. Tune in for an insightful and engaging discussion that sheds light on the complexities of the current crisis and its potential impact on the future of the Middle East. 

 The use of the 'Lavender' system to identify alleged Hamas targets in Gaza has led to tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians being killed in air strikes. Is Israel's military technology fit for purpose? Or does accuracy not matter when its real intention is the ethnic cleansing of Gaza? Join Palestine this Week host Nasim Ahmed as he discusses this and over events unfolding in Palestine.In the latest episode of MEMO's weekly review, we speak with our guest Mouin Rabbani about Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza, which has now reached its sixth month. With over 33,000 Palestinians killed and more than 70 per cent of Gaza's infrastructure destroyed, we discussed the genocidal nature of Israel's assault and the factors contributing to its prolonged duration. We also delved into the recent killing of seven - mainly foreign - aid workers and its fallout, the Israeli occupation army's withdrawal from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip and the speculation surrounding this decision.The episode examines the terrifying world of military AI, specifically the "Lavender" system used by Israel to generate targets for assassination. We discussed the potential implications of this technology and its likely appeal to brutal regimes around the world. Additionally, we touched upon the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, the US opposition to recognising a Palestinian state within the UN framework, and the unprecedented backlash amongst Israel's key allies following the killing of the foreign aid workers. Lastly, we analysed President Biden's ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and whether the apparent disagreement between the two leaders is merely a difference in tactics rather than overall strategy.

Tel Aviv's latest war strategy is the creation of areas in which any person present is considered a 'terrorist' and regarded a 'legitimate' target, including children, toddlers and women. Tune in to this week's episode of MEMO's weekly review with host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani as they delve into the shocking revelation about Israel's 'kill zones', where unarmed Palestinian civilians are mercilessly targeted and killed. The deepening humanitarian crises has led to the breakdown of civil order, leaving a power vacuum that Israel seeks to exploit by arming local clans to create an alternative to Hamas rule. Can this really solve the problem of what comes after the bombing campaign?Despite the international community's condemnation and demands for a ceasefire, Israel remains undeterred in its relentless assault on Gaza. The deputy chief of Hamas, has asserted that Israel has failed to achieve its objectives. Is he right and is Israel beginning to realise that it will not be able to dismantle the group? We also discuss ongoing US arms supplies to Israel, potentially emboldening further attacks on Lebanon, while the UK government's lawyers confirm that Israel is violating international law.Join Nasim Ahmed and Mouin Rabbani as they analyse these critical developments and more, including the US's quiet reversal of sanctions on violent settlers and the implications of the ICJ's modified provisional measures.

As Israel blocks UNRWA aid deliveries to northern Gaza, it is not only bombing Palestinians there, but also starving them to death. Are its policies in the enclave now, finally, bringing about a change in the international community's response to its crimes?There has been a lot of change in global politics with regards Gaza over the past week; the UN Security Council voted in favour of a ceasefire during Ramadan, the UK foreign secretary has accused Israel of hindering the flow of aid into Gaza and Canada has announced the suspension of arms transfers to Israel.Is Israel losing the support of its traditional allies? And does this mean an end to its brutal bombing campaign in Gaza is in sight? And will Palestinians - especially those in the north of the enclave - finally be provided humanitarian aid to end the man-made famine which they are enduring as a result of Israel’s closures?Join MEMO’s weekly review show with host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani to unpack events.

Palestine This Week raises critical questions about the future of liberal democracy in the Anglosphere as governments grapple with the growing groundswell of support for Palestine and the increasing perception of Israel as a pariah stateIn this week’s episode of MEMO's weekly review, host Nasim Ahmed and guest Mouin Rabbani delve into the growing trend of governments across the Anglosphere abandoning their liberal democratic principles in favour of authoritarian measures to defend Israel. The discussion covers a range of pressing issues, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of an impending invasion of Rafah, the debate over whether Israel is deliberately starving Gaza, the US sanctions on Israeli settlers and the growing efforts to crack down on pro-Palestine activism in the US and UK.Rabbani provides insightful commentary on the significance of Senator Chuck Schumer’s description of Israel as a 'pariah state' and the potential motivations behind the push to ban TikTok in the US, which has seen a surge in pro-Palestine content. The conversation also touches upon the controversial new definition of extremism introduced by the UK’s Tory government, which critics argue is another step towards authoritarianism and is likely to target pro-Palestine groups while ignoring Jewish supremacist ideologies.