What the Hell Is Going on in Gaza?

Episode 1 is the first of six episodes in which we answer some basic questions about Jews and Israel. We discuss whether or not Jews are indigenous to the land of Israel. Photo: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Matson Collection, LC-DIG-matpc-05899

Here in Part 9, we conclude our series by offering some final thoughts on our subject and, importantly, looking forward to the uncertainty of the future, in particular the risks related to the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its other proxy armies. Photo: Lasse Kristensen / Alamy Stock Photo

Over the previous two episodes, we looked at how Palestinians and Israelis feel about each other today. This is the reality that exists and the context which those advocating for peace must accept. Here in Episode 30, we take the next step. From this starting point, we talk about what it would take to achieve peace. Photo: emka74 / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 29, we talk about how Israelis feel about Palestinians. Just as we examined the Palestinian perspective to understand where they are today, we also look at Israeli perspective for the same reason. Photo: Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo

In Part 8, we try to tackle one of the most vexing questions of recent times. Is peace even possible and, if so, how? The ideas we’ll walk through are more about identifying what stands in the way, what needs to be solved in order for there to be a realistic chance for peace. Here in Episode 28, we talk about how Palestinians feel about Israelis. After all, in order to talk about the requirements...

In Episode 27, we talk about the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the role they’ve played in the Israeli-Palestinian situation. We question of whether, in fact, they help or harm the Palestinian people. Photo: UPI / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 26, we examine a second factor that is making things worse, the irresponsibility and bias of the media. It takes a significant toll, in particular leading people to the wrong conclusions. Photo: Anton Dos Ventos / Alamy Stock Photo

Over the next three episodes in Part 7, we look into what makes the situation worse, the real problems that have a really significant effect on the ability of Israelis and Palestinians to create peace. In Episode 25, we take a look at religious extremism and talk about how it makes things worse in an already tragic conflict. Photo: Alex Segre / Alamy Stock Photo

In this episode, we do something a little different. We talk about morality. Why? Because it’s so important to have a framework for judging right and wrong. And it’s especially relevant for how people are reacting to the war in Gaza. Photo: Alan Wilson / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 23, we tackle the question, does Israel fight fair? We take a hard look at this not just because some are accusing Israel of war crimes but because it is a profound moral issue, and that matters, even in war. Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

Here in Episode 22, we focus on whether there’s a double standard when it comes to judging Israel. What is that about and what are the implications? Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who does the world blame? In Part 5, we examine this question because it has real effect on what you hear. In Episode 21, we take a closer look at how the world reacted Hamas’ October 7th attack and Israel’s response. Photo: Sipa USA / Alamy Stock Photo

Lastly for Part 4, here in Episode 20, we look at the question, did Israel give up? Did it give up on trying to find a path to peaceful coexistence with an independent Palestinian state? Photo: Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 19, we take a closer look at the issue of Land for Peace. It’s discussed as a viable solution but it’s not a new idea, so why hasn’t it worked before? Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Part 4 of our series, we talk about the many attempts to find peace between Israel and the Palestinians over the years. We examine why they have all failed and what’s really going on. In Episode 18, we review these past peace offers and discuss what we can learn from them. Photo: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

Our final topic in Part 3, is the issue of Israel’s borders. Here in Episode 17, we talk about how they were determined and how they’ve changed since the 1948 founding of the State of Israel. Photo: Afriadi Hikmal / NurPhoto SRL / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 16, we talk about the continuing conflicts between Israel, the Palestinians, and other Arab nations, and why there were so many. Why has the violence continued for so many decades? Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1948 Arab-Israeli War or Israel’s War of Independence led to what some call the Nakba and others call the Palestinian exodus. In Episode 15, we talk about the refugees of this war, including how they became refugees, and who bears responsibility for their condition. Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Episode 14, we look at what happened next, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. It was a momentous event for all sides and set in motion things that remain among the most significant issues today. Photo: Archive PL / Alamy Stock Photo

In Episode 13, we examine the United Nations partition plan of 1947, which proposed a two-state solution for the region, and how that went. Photo by -/GPO FILES/AFP via Getty Images

Over the next six episodes in Part 3, we look back at the major historical events that led to where things are today. In Episode 12, we explore the demographic changes that occurred in the region and how choices made so long ago are connected to the violence that continues today. Photo: Chesdovi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

To conclude Part 2, we consider the critical question of what Israel should do, given all we learned in the preceding ten episodes. Should Israel just stop, or should Israel continue the war? Photo: UPI / Alamy Stock Photo [Sensitive content at 4:15-4:53, 5:08-5:52, and 6:08-6:40]

What has Hamas, as the governing authority of the Palestinian people in Gaza, actually done for them? In Episode 10, we answer this question. What has Hamas delivered? Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Episode 9, we examine the question of foreign aid, what’s become of the billions of dollars that were sent to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas and what role that’s played in the conflict with Israel. Copyrighted image used with permission of UN Watch

In Episode 8, we provide some facts and history to help answer the question of whether Hamas can be trusted? After all, some degree of trust is necessary for peaceful coexistence. Photo: Ismael Mohamad / UPI / Alamy Stock Photo