What's really happening in Gaza?
Do we have to pick a side?
Is there a 'right' and 'wrong' opinion?
Just a few of the questions about the current situation in Gaza. Three experts from Erasmus University Rotterdam try to provide some answers.
The Dutch television programme, Open Rotterdam, asked three experts from Erasmus University Rotterdam to explain the current situation in Gaza.
Lawyer and socio-legal scholar Dr Jeff Handmaker from the International Institute of Social Studies, communications expert, Dr Jiska Engelbert and lawyer and expert in international law, Mona Shaaban answer these questions from their own expertise.
They discuss, for example, whether what is happening now in Gaza should be called a conflict, war or genocide. They argue that the term conflict doesn't cover the wider context and that even in a war, parties are held to international rules of engagement. They also argue that there is enough legal evidence to justify describing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.
Understanding the role of the media is essential to understanding why it is proving to be so difficult to correctly describe the current situation in Gaza. Understanding the broader context and history of Israel and the Palestinians is also essential to understanding the approach of the Dutch government to the current situation.
The experts further argue that emphasizing the complexity of the situation is being used as a reason to not explain the broader and historical context. This hides the enormity of the unfolding catastrophe in Gaza.
Full summary of the programme 'Objectief gesproken over Gaza' (in Dutch only)
Watch 'Objectief gesproken over Gaza' (in Dutch only)
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