Looking back at Israel's conduct over the past year, Baroud highlights Tel Aviv's use of African mercenaries in the execution of its onslaught on Gaza and how the West is enabling the continuation of this aggression.

In this week’s MEMO in Conversation prominent Palestinian journalist and author Dr Ramzy Baroud shares his unique perspective on the events leading up to 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military offensive. Baroud, a descendant of Palestinian refugees and son of a freedom fighter, analysis of Israel's objectives in Gaza, the place of his birth, and explores whether Tel Aviv's actions constitute ethnic cleansing, genocide, or a deliberate attempt to render Gaza uninhabitable. Baroud provides his analysis of Israel's conduct over the past year and beyond, touching on lesser-known aspects such as the recruitment of African mercenaries by Israel to carry out its military onslaught. He also examines the crucial role of Western support, particularly from the US, in enabling Israel's aggression.

Globally, the events of 7 October have recalibrated the Palestinian cause as a pressing global issue, he explains, providing an assessment of Israel's strategic defeats, despite apparent tactical victories, and examines the material foundations of Zionism and how they have been weakened over the past year. 

Baroud is the Editor of the Palestine Chronicle and author of five books; his latest is 'Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out'.  Baroud is a non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA) and also at the Afro-Middle East Centre (AMEC).