'This Is a Colonial War': Historian Rashid Khalidi on Israel, Gaza & the Future of Palestine

Historian Rashid Khalidi discusses the pending United Nations Security Council vote on suspending fighting in Gaza to allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and the future of Palestine. The Biden administration reportedly delayed the U.N. vote and pushed other countries to water down the language. This comes as Israel and Hamas leaders have signaled they are open to another truce and hostage exchange. Israel's relentless assault on Gaza has now killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians and displaced over 90% of the Gaza Strip's 2.3 million people. "The situation in Gaza is unspeakable," says Khalidi, the Edward Said professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University. "We are talking about traumatic events that are going to scar generations to come." He also discusses how the Gaza war risks sparking a regional conflict, ways to pressure Israel, and how U.S. leaders are prompting anger from "whole generations" in the Arab world and beyond.

[arsenalmanic]

Genocide nor war. Armed and funded by YOUR country

[ralphbernhard]

"Most of the great problems we face are caused by politicians creating solutions to problems they created in the first place. If we're ignorant, we won't even know when government infringes on our liberties." -- Walter E. Williams

[darronpearson]

Not only allowing it to go on, but also supporting it.

[MendeMaria-ejbf]

Yes, it's hard to find words. Killing, slaughtering, destroying. Is nobody capable and willing to stop this insanity?

[gearedcre]

Colonialism: the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers and exploiting it economically

Terrorism: the unlawful use of violence and intimidation especially against civilians in the pursuit of political aims

[Bwahzehdezooner]

Professor Khalidi is a strong and able spokesman for the cause of Palestine. Respect.

[spintolini]

Thank you for covering this. Thank you Mr. Khalidi. This is horrifying

[josuegelabertroncal]

I find myself unable to watch US mainstream media. Democracy Now! seems to be the last independent US broadcaster lately. We must protect them at all costs.

[astrolux]

Congratulations on the work. Is so rare to see honest american journalists and scholars, that actually recocnize their country responbsability in the mess that is happening in the world.

[queeneenaa]

mad respect to all journalist working in Gaza and any war zone, they are going to work in the most dangerous place and by their work, the world saw what really happened. please do something about what we have seen on TV.

[jorgeclaverie]

Anyone who "can not understand how USA is allowing something like this to continue" has evidently not lived long enough in the Global South.

[NaderNabilart]

Prof. Rashid Khalidi is really shining a light on all the issues we need to be aware of right now to be immune from propaganda/Hasbara. Great work.
Hope, dedication, collectivizing & organizing are key.
Ceasefire NOW. End the siege, Apartheid & occupation. Free Palestine! 🇵🇸

[emeladres]

Thank you for covering news about what is going on in gaza. Our hearts broken and pray all the time to end this war and palestinians could live better life on their country and move forward. How could world let israel and US bring hell to people of palestine to steal their land.

[ravindersharma]

Remember, Nitinyahu’s stated aim is to turn Gáza into debris. Unstated am is to have Palestinian-free Gáza, ready for settlements.

[jeanjacquesdessalines]

Merci Democracy now pour votre brillant travail .

[DocthMech]

The UN has now experienced the highest number of fatal casualties in its history at the hands of Netanyahu’s forces

[selma]

Agree -- if the there is no moral courage in the US, Arab countries and others need to step in. Unconscionable.

[junebrilly]

Thankyou, Amy, for this powerful interview. Prof Khalidi
is the very best: his knowledge and integrity is without question. Huge Admiration and RESPECT! as an American I dont have adequate words to describe my visceral DISGUST for the US complicity in this horrific Genocide

[boussoualimmalika]

Great interview! Thank you Democracy Now!

[nguday]

Also healthcare workers in California came out in favor of cease fire