Dr. Ghada Karmi Discusses the Impact and Observations of ‘Gaza & the World

Gaza Tribunal Juror Calls israeli Project “Diabolical,” attributes Root Cause to zionism

Istanbul – Dr. Ghada Karmi, a British-Palestinian physician and author, delivered a stark assessment of Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling the ongoing project as “diabolical” during a recent podcast appearance with the Just World Educational (JWE) series, “Gaza & the World.” Dr. Karmi’s remarks stem from her experience as a juror of conscience at the recently concluded Gaza People’s Tribunal in Istanbul, where she and five fellow jurors heard harrowing testimony regarding the impact of Israeli actions on the people of Gaza.

“Only one word went through my mind as I listened to this [testimony],” Dr. Karmi stated. “Diabolical! This was a diabolical project. The Israeli project to destroy Gaza so fundamentally, so irreversibly, can only be called diabolical.”

However, Dr. Karmi went further, identifying the core issue driving the conflict as Zionism itself. “It was very clear to us… that the problem with gaza and the problem which Israel has caused for the people of Palestine and for the region is Zionism,” she explained. “It’s an ideology of Zionism, which rules the policymaking of Israelis and dictates these really diabolical things that they do to the Palestinians and to the surrounding Arab states as well.”

The tribunal’s final conclusions and recommendations centered on this assessment, calling for the dismantling of Zionism and the structures that sustain it. Dr. Karmi emphasized that this call did not equate to advocating for the destruction of Israel or harm to Israelis. Instead, she clarified that the recommendations were “wholly logical” and stemmed from the evidence presented, linking Zionism to a wide range of crimes and suffering inflicted upon Palestinians and the broader region.

Dr. Karmi also reflected on her past experiences, including a brief consultancy with the Palestinian Authority in 2005, and surveyed the political fallout within British politics sparked by Israel’s actions in Gaza and the UK government’s involvement.

The full 47-minute conversation with Dr. Karmi is available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jFlHZASx8U), apple Podcasts ([https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gaza-the-world-ep-4-with-dr-ghada-karmi/id390754844?i=1000736351194](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gaza-the-world-ep-4-with-dr-

How does dr. Karmi’s analysis of the 1948 Nakba inform her viewpoint on the current situation in Gaza?

The Ancient Context: Understanding the Roots of the Conflict

Dr.Ghada Karmi, a renowned Palestinian academic and author, consistently emphasizes the crucial need to understand the historical context when discussing the situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Her analysis of “Gaza & the World,” a topic she frequently addresses in lectures and interviews, centers on the dispossession of Palestinians following the 1948 nakba (catastrophe).

* 1948 Nakba: The mass displacement and expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, forming the core of the refugee crisis. Dr. Karmi argues this event isn’t simply a historical footnote but a foundational element shaping present-day realities.

* the Ongoing Occupation: She highlights the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, as key drivers of instability and humanitarian crises. This occupation, she asserts, directly impacts the daily lives of Palestinians and hinders their self-determination.

* International Law & Resolutions: Dr. Karmi frequently references UN resolutions and international law, pointing to perceived failures in their implementation and the resulting impunity. She stresses the importance of holding all parties accountable to these legal frameworks.

‘Gaza & the World’: A Focus on the Blockade and its Consequences

Dr. Karmi’s observations regarding “Gaza & the World” consistently return to the devastating impact of the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007. This blockade, she argues, isn’t merely a security measure but a form of collective punishment.

* Humanitarian crisis: The blockade severely restricts the movement of peopel and goods, leading to a chronic shortage of essential supplies like medicine, food, and building materials. This has created a severe humanitarian crisis, impacting public health, education, and economic advancement.

* Economic Devastation: Gaza’s economy has been crippled by the blockade, with extremely high unemployment rates and widespread poverty.Dr. Karmi points to the destruction of infrastructure during repeated military offensives as exacerbating these economic woes.

* Psychological Impact: Beyond the physical hardships,Dr. Karmi emphasizes the profound psychological trauma inflicted on the Gazan population, especially children, due to the constant threat of violence and the restrictions on their freedom. She often cites studies on PTSD and mental health within Gaza.

The Role of International Actors and Media Representation

A significant portion of Dr.Karmi’s analysis focuses on the role of international actors and the often-biased media representation of the conflict. She critiques what she perceives as a disproportionate focus on Israeli security concerns while minimizing the suffering of Palestinians.

* Western Media Bias: Dr. Karmi argues that Western media often frames the conflict thru a pro-Israel lens, failing to adequately portray the Palestinian perspective and the realities of life under occupation.She advocates for more balanced and nuanced reporting.

* US foreign policy: she is critical of US foreign policy towards Israel,citing unconditional military aid and diplomatic support as enabling the continuation of the occupation and the blockade.

* The International Community’s Responsibility: Dr. Karmi stresses the responsibility of the international community to uphold international law, protect Palestinian civilians, and work towards a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. She calls for concrete actions, such as sanctions and arms embargoes, to pressure israel to end the occupation.

The Impact of Recent Events (as of December 5, 2025)

Considering the current date (December 5, 2025), Dr. Karmi’s commentary on “Gaza & the world” would undoubtedly address the ongoing repercussions of recent escalations in violence. (Note: As of the provided date, specific events would need to be researched and integrated here. This section is a placeholder for that information.)

* Post-Conflict Reconstruction: The challenges of rebuilding Gaza after recent conflicts, hampered by the blockade and lack of international funding.

* The Rise of Extremism: the potential for increased radicalization and violence due to the ongoing despair and hopelessness within Gaza.

* The Two-State Solution: Dr. Karmi’s views on the viability of the two-state solution, given the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the fragmentation of Palestinian territories. She often expresses skepticism about its feasibility without significant concessions from Israel.

Understanding the Palestinian Perspective: Key Themes in Dr. Karmi’s Work

Dr. Karmi’s work consistently centers on amplifying the Palestinian voice and challenging dominant narratives. Several key themes emerge from her analysis of “Gaza & the world” and the broader conflict.

* The Right of return: The fundamental right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands, as enshrined in UN Resolution 194.

* Self-Determination: The Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an autonomous state.

* Dignity and Justice: The importance of upholding the dignity and human rights of all Palestinians, and achieving a just and equitable resolution to the conflict.

Resources and Further Reading

* Dr. Ghada Karmi’s Books: In search of Palestine, Married to the Cause

* Organizations: Badil Resource Center for Palestinian