A Message From Professor Wolff on the Israel/Palestine Crisis

I have been asked about Israel vs Palestinians issues regarding Gaza:

I would like to respond briefly to those who have inquired about my views regarding the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza and beyond. Long-standing disputes never adequately resolved have again exploded in serious violence with horrific human costs to civilians on both sides. The conflict now threatens escalation to global catastrophe. A ceasefire is the urgently necessary first step. The next step is a compromise agreement that meets the minimum demands of both sides. That agreement, however difficult to achieve, should be guaranteed by the rest of the world." - R. D. Wolff

**This Excerpt was taking from our Live "Ask Prof Wolf" Event which aired earlier this week. Please remember to join us every Wednesday at 2PM Eastern Time**

[blueoak]

Richard, is that it? No deeper understanding? No history? No comment on imperialism? No recognition of the aggressors?

[aust.in]

Such a milquetoast objection to a genocide that assumes both sides have a responsibility here. While only one side is supported by the American government which is the same government that has decided to publicly rule out any kind of cease-fire

[synthcreeper]

Of course I agree that peace is the answer, but I'm rather disappointed in this position of yours. One side has all of the weapons, control over power, food and transportation, and the US imperial empire behind it. The other side exists in an open air prison with dimiinishing access to food and water. It's wrong to say "hey BOTH of you settle down and cease fire here. Though peace is ultimately the answer, a "ceasefire" is not peace.

[c.johnsmith]

The United States pays for 20% of Israel's military budget while Israel has universal health care, subsidized college tuition and still ran a budget surplus last year.

[pelegsap]

Apartheid South Africa was not a "two-sides" issue - the regime had to be toppled and Apartheid stopped. Slavery was not a "two-sides" issue - slavery had to be abolished and the slaves freed. French Colonialism in Algeria wasn't a "two-side" issue - the French were to withdraw and Algerian liberated.

And this too is NOT a "two-sides" issue. It's an issue of brutal ethnic cleansing, of settler colonialism, and of genocide. The Zionist government must be stopped, and Palestinians liberated. It is really that simple.

[Guitarista]

I expected you to be more courageous than Noam Chomsky. Alas, this is very disappointing. Your both sides posturing simply means that you wish to stand by Israel. Good luck, Prof. Wolff. Good luck.

[roddychristodoulou]

For as long as America gives this blind and unconditional support to Israel the Palestinian people will forever suffer .

[draculollie]

Feeling disappointed by your statement. I’m in agreement with others who feel let down by your desire for peace. That is obvious that there should be peace BUT you can’t have peace without liberation and de-colonization.

[evek]

With all due respect, how can "agreements between sides" happen when one side has all of the power? Am I missing something?

[quanshaw]

He said bunch of words but basically he’s with Israel 🇮🇱 because it’s not like the Palestinian on equal footing and not be held captive

[UntilChill]

As a huge fan, that was a weak "both sides deserve peace" statement, Dr Wolff.

[claudermiller]

I don't believe the US was ever an honest broker. IMO the Palestinians were duped from day one into thinking we were interested in a fair solution. All the US ever did was buy time for Israel to accomplish it's long term goals. I'm 100% with the Palestinian people.

[abcabcv]

I thought Richard was braver than that.

[mywrittenvoice]

There is no "both sides" to this. That was a very safe, watered down statement that you could have kept inside your head.

[heitorsouza]

Prof, I was expecting to hear something regarding crisis in the capitalist system, and the relationship with colonialism, apartheid, and war.

[angus]

I have a feeling Prof hasn’t really done his homework in this issue. I expected more.

[margitwes]

Where's the rest of it, Prof? I hope you're not implying this is a squabble between two equal partners.

[ilhamrahim]

At least you called for a ceasefire, but I must say the both siding argument is extremely disappointing! There is a settler colonial state that has been colonizing Palestine and the Palestinian people resisting that. Very simple. Would you have both sided the Algerian war of independence? This statement could have been made by the Democratic Party.

[LuciFeric]

If one believes media, one may get the idea the oppressed are the aggressors, and the aggressors are the victims ~ Malcolm X

[muuhpropertyyy]

The Global South is with the freedom for Palestine. They are in solidarity with the Palestinians.☺😇