Periodista: We welcome Professor Margarita Cadavid Otero. She holds a Master's degree in International Political Studies and specialises in areas of international politics, and international relations, and is also an expert on Middle Eastern issues. Professor Margarita, thank you for joining us. Good morning.

Invitado: Buenos días, un saludo para toda la audiencia.

Periodista: Professor, regarding the current demonstrations taking place in Israel, what is the opposition's stance on these events? Do you consider the possibility of Benjamin Netanyahu'sresignation from office given the current situation in Israel to be feasible?

Invitado: On October 7th, the Hamas attacks took place. Due to the shock of everything that had happened and the impact on the morale of the Israeli /ɪzˈreɪ.li/ population, the divisions that had been emerging, especially around the proposed judicial reform in Israel, were forgotten or set aside, and there was a kind of national unity on the issue.

It was known that over time there was a responsibility on the part of Israel in terms of the neglect and the attack that was carried out by surprise, so to speak, and that caught Israel somewhat without the tools to respond to what Hamas did at first.

Furthermore, we must consider another element related to Netanyahu's path to power. He had to form a coalition with the far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties in Israel. This demonstrates that he did not have the same level of support as in previous occasions.

Now, we are witnessing an escalation of attacks in Gaza and other territories, as we saw yesterday in Syria /ˈsɪr.i.ə/ and against Iranian /ɪˈreɪ.ni.ən/consular /ˈkɑːn.sjə.lɚ/ buildings. This is a great concern for the families of the hostages still held by Hamas.

Therefore, this first factor of unity is deteriorating and wearing off over time. Moreover, there are outstanding claims against Netanyahu's government that are surfacing at this time. This adds to the fear felt by the families of these hostages /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒes/ about the fate of these individuals, and to the fact that there is currently no visible alternative for negotiating their release.

Periodista: Another question arises regarding the proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and, above all, Israel's persistent stance of refusing to yield /jiːld/ and continuing the attacks. How does this align with the demands of the people protesting in the streets?

Invitado: Two elements should be considered and analyzed here.

The first point revolves around the Security Council, the most important organ of the United Nations whose resolutions are binding /ˈbaɪn.dɪŋ/. Israel, contrary to the request for a ceasefire, has intensified its attacks.

Since the very night that the resolution was issued, attacks have been reported in the Rafah area, precisely the one that was sought to be protected due to the precarious humanitarian situation, the crisis and the famine /ˈfæm.ɪn/ that the population of Gaza is suffering. In Rafah, more than 1,100,000 displaced people are located in these territories and are being targeted by attacks.

This sets a terrible negative precedent /ˈpres.ə.dent/ for the international system and for international humanitarian law.

The second point concerns the level of public support in Israel for these attacks on Gaza. When analyzing their perspective, it is clear that the population perceives this as a measure aimed at exercising the right to self-defense. However, the right to self-defense does not grant a carte blanche /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/ to commit all the violations that are being perpetrated in Gaza, much less to eliminate the population of Gaza in the way that is being done.

The protests in Israel are not solely /ˈsoʊl.li/ driven by disagreement with Netanyahu's response to the attacks. While Israel has historically responded with military force to such situations, the current protests are also motivated by Netanyahu's perceived inaction regarding Hamas attacks.

This also has to do with the alliances he had to make to reach power, and of course, it has to do with the issue of the hostages /ˈhɑː.stɪdʒes/. That is very important for the families. So the determination /dɪˌtɝː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ of the protesters at this time also has to do with something that has been forgotten at this point. Netanyahu is the Prime Minister who has held that position for the longest time in Israel, and he did not have it so easy to stay in power in the last elections.

Periodista: There is another important issue. Throughout this week we have read or heard about the ups and downs in the relationship between Israel and the United States. For example, among the most recent events is that the Joe Biden administration is considering providing Israel with $18 billion in weapons. So what is really happening? Is the lack of support for the attacks in the Gaza Strip just a media issue?

Invitado: The current electoral period in the United States presents a significant juncture for the issue of Gaza. The majority of the young American population opposes the current situation in Gaza, making this issue a crucial factor to consider. On the other hand, there is also a voting population of Arab descent /dɪˈsent/ and the population of color who are also against what is happening in Gaza.

Therefore, this is an electorate that has historically voted for the Democratic Party, and this has taken away points, so to speak, from Biden.

That resolution or abstention from the ceasefire resolution had to do with that and with another element.

There is a very strong position emerging from what we call the global south, which includes South Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, and Colombia, among others, saying “We do not agree with what is happening in Gaza. A genocide /ˈdʒen.ə.saɪd is being committed and corresponding measures must be taken on this issue.” Others have joined and raised their voices on this matter.

The United States' historical dominance /ˈdɑː.mə.nəns/ over the Global South has weakened in recent years. To regain its influence in this region, the United States needs to position itself to address the criticisms and demands of these countries.

We can see that the United States has also tried to sway Turkey's position on the situation in Gaza. Therefore, this abstention is part of, let's say, two elements: one at the domestic level and the other at the international level.

However, the United States will not abandon its historical relationship and the strong ties it has had with Israel. We will have to wait and see what happens if this arms shipment is approved.

Periodista: To finish, there is a very important issue regarding the numerous reports of famine that are emerging in the region. I would like to hear your opinion on the international responsibility that exists on this issue, and for example, regarding attacks such as the one that occurred a few hours ago against the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen.

Invitado: Well, I sometimes tell my students that it is easier to identify what Israel is not violating in terms of international law, than to say what is being violated. Taking the Fourth Geneva /dʒəˈniː.və/ Convention, which is the one on the protection of civilians, we see that it is not being complied with. When we talk about famine, I like to give the definition because it is very important in order to understand the current situation in Gaza and the extent of this crisis

A famine is the complete lack of access to food for an entire population or a population group, which can lead to death in the short term. This is what the people in Gaza are experiencing today. We see that this famine is the result of the prevention of sufficient humanitarian aid from entering the area, which would allow the population to effectively survive or subsist.

When we see this, we are not only facing a famine, but we are facing a state that has an occupied territory and is preventing access to the minimum resources for survival, which is causing death. That is genocide.

The insufficient response of the international community to Israel's violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza not only causes the deaths of civilians, but also sets a dangerous precedent for international humanitarian law and future conflicts.

Periodista: We were discussing the internal situation in Israel with the protests that have been taking place in recent days, as well as the positions and the most relevant issues in the Gaza Strip. We were doing so with Professor Margarita David Otero, who holds a Master's degree in International Political Studies and is a specialist in areas of international politics. Professor, thank you for joining us.

Invitado: Thank you very much to all of you. Have a wonderful day everyone

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