Why has Israel decided to reoccupy Gaza - and at what cost?

Why has Israel decided to reoccupy Gaza - and at what cost?

Nearly two decades after Israel withdrew from Gaza, dismantling settlements and military posts under Ariel Sharon’s leadership, the Israeli government has now approved a plan to take over the Palestinian enclave again, following 22 months of its war there.

What began as speculation this week quickly became official policy after a 10-hour security cabinet meeting, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gained approval to take full control of northern Gaza.

The plan includes displacing up to a million people and reshaping governance in the strip under an as yet undefined “civilian authority”.

Mr Netanyahu claims this move will restore Israel’s security and free Gazans from Hamas rule. But critics, including top military officials and former security leaders, warn this could destroy prospects for a ceasefire, worsen the humanitarian catastrophe and endanger remaining hostages.

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher speaks to two Israeli figures on opposite sides of the debate: Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security think tank and former head of the research division in the Israeli military intelligence; and Ami Ayalon, a former commander of the Israeli Navy and former director of the Israel security agency Shin Bet. One defends reoccupation as a necessary strategy, the other calls it a dangerous step that could cost Israel its identity, security and future.

Episoder(478)

The role social media is playing in the Israel-Gaza war

The role social media is playing in the Israel-Gaza war

Social media has redefined the way people are experiencing the war in Gaza, with citizens and regular users alike playing a crucial role in sharing minute-by-minute updates from the region. Israel's c...

5 Apr 202415min

The significance of UN resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire

The significance of UN resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire

This week, the UN Security Council passed a resolution – for the first time since the Israel-Gaza war began in October – demanding an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan. Hours later, more than 50 peop...

29 Mar 202423min

What are the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza?

What are the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza?

After almost six months of war and more than 31,000 deaths in Gaza, ceasefire talks resumed in Doha this week as Hamas, Israel and mediators discussed the details of a potential future deal. Meanwhile...

22 Mar 202427min

Observing Ramadan in countries hit by conflict

Observing Ramadan in countries hit by conflict

Ramadan is typically a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline and community bonding for Muslims around the world. But for millions of people in the Arab region, Ramadan this year is defined by ...

16 Mar 202414min

Ramadan in Gaza: Living under threat, fighting for food and longing for peace

Ramadan in Gaza: Living under threat, fighting for food and longing for peace

Ramadan this year will be different for the people of Gaza with Israel continuing an air and ground assault that has gone on for five months now. The threat of famine looms due to the limited supply o...

8 Mar 202412min

Egypt’s struggle in the Rafah crisis

Egypt’s struggle in the Rafah crisis

Egypt is the only country other than Israel with a border with Gaza, which means the area between the city of Al Arish and the Palestinian territory bears witness to what is unfolding in Rafah. Tensi...

1 Mar 202425min

How the Russia-Ukraine war changed the world after two years

How the Russia-Ukraine war changed the world after two years

Tens of thousands of lives have been lost among Ukrainians and Russians, countless buildings are in ruin, the landscape of eastern Ukraine has been ravaged by destruction and there is no end in sight....

23 Feb 202412min

45 years on - How Iran’s Islamic revolution reshaped the region

45 years on - How Iran’s Islamic revolution reshaped the region

A series of protests escalated into a full-blown revolution in Iran and became a turning point in the history of the Middle East. On February 11, 1979, the rule of the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pah...

16 Feb 202415min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
forklart
i-retten
stopp-verden
popradet
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
det-store-bildet
dine-penger-pengeradet
rss-gukild-johaug
fotballpodden-2
nokon-ma-ga
rss-ness
hanna-de-heldige
e24-podden
aftenbla-bla
frokostshowet-pa-p5
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
bt-dokumentar-2