Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified? Eylon Levy vs. Mehdi Hasan

In the year since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the question of proportionality in response to October 7th has taken center stage. Both sides have reported high death tolls, the risk of famine and disease is growing, over a hundred hostages of various nationalities remain in Gaza, and ceasefire proposals are ongoing with no end in sight. Those who support Israel’s response argue that Israel has the right to defend itself like any country under attack; it needs to do all it can to bring the hostages home and prevent Hamas from posing any future threat. However, critics of Israel’s response contend that it has led to a humanitarian crisis, failed to protect Palestinian civilians, and jeopardized long-term peace in the Middle East.

With this critical background, we debate the question: Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified?

Arguing Yes: Eylon Levy, Former Spokesperson for Israel in the October 7th War; Co-Founder of the Israeli Citizen Spokespersons' Office; Host of the “State of a Nation” Podcast

Arguing No: Mehdi Hasan, Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and CEO of Zeteo; Host of Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head”; Award-Winning Journalist

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

Timestamps:
(03:57) Eylon Levy argues that Israel’s actions in Gaza are justified.
(09:45) Mehdi Hasan argues that Israel’s actions in Gaza are not justified.
(16:22) Eylon Levy discusses what justifies Israel's disproportionate military response.
(18:30) Why were the innocent Palestinian families targeted and killed by Israel?
(21:29) Mehdi Hasan about what would be considered a proportionate and justifiable response from Israel.
(25:32) What is the greater good that justifies the loss of Palestinian lives?
(28:55) Can Hamas be destroyed?
(32:26) Is Israel’s war in Gaza making Israel more secure?
(33:49) Does Israel's war in Gaza serve the interests of the hostages?
(39:19) Is the involvement of the US in the Israel-Palestine war justified?
(42:15) Why did Eylon Levy and Mehdi Hasan decide to participate in the debate, despite disagreements?
(43:59) Peter Beinart asks whether it is possible to destroy Hamas.
(46:35) Jillian Lederman asks whether Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 was the right decision.
(50:37) Dean Obeidallah asks Eylon Levy whether he condemns any of Israel’s actions.
(58:31) Eylon Levy and Mehdi Hasan present their closing statements

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#opentodebate #debate #Israel #Gaza #Hamas #Palestiniancivilians #hostages


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