The Year Since Oct. 7
6Digest
This episode of The Daily revisits the stories of Golan Abitbol in Israel and Hussein in Gaza, a year after the devastating October 7th attacks. It explores how their lives have been irrevocably altered by the conflict, highlighting the enduring impact on their communities and personal perspectives. Golan, who previously believed in peaceful coexistence, now feels disillusioned and angry, questioning the possibility of peace and advocating for a separation between Israelis and Palestinians. Hussein, meanwhile, describes the ongoing hardships in Gaza, including displacement, lack of basic necessities, and the emotional toll of being separated from his family. Both individuals express concerns that the conflict will lead to a cycle of violence and hatred, making peace even more difficult to achieve. They fear that the trauma and loss experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians will make reconciliation seem impossible.
Outlines
The Impact of the Gaza War: Stories of Resilience and Loss
This episode explores the lasting impact of the October 7th attacks on individuals in Israel and Gaza, highlighting the struggles for survival and the challenges to peace in the region. It revisits the stories of Golan Abitbol in Israel and Hussein in Gaza, a year after the conflict, and examines how their lives have been irrevocably altered.
Keywords
Collective Punishment
The act of punishing an entire group for the actions of a few. This often involves imposing restrictions or hardships on a population without individual accountability, violating human rights and international law.
Hostage Situation
A scenario where individuals are held captive against their will, often used as leverage in negotiations or to achieve political goals. This can involve physical confinement, restrictions on movement, and threats to safety.
Mental Health Impact of War
The psychological and emotional consequences of war, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These impacts can affect individuals, families, and entire communities, requiring specialized support and care.
International Community Response
The collective actions and reactions of nations and organizations to global events, including conflicts. This can involve diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, sanctions, and military interventions, often with varying levels of effectiveness and impact.
Peace Negotiations
The process of engaging in dialogue and discussions between conflicting parties to reach a peaceful resolution. This involves identifying common ground, addressing grievances, and establishing agreements to end hostilities and promote reconciliation.
Human Rights Violations
Actions or omissions that infringe upon the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, as recognized by international law. These can include violations of physical integrity, freedom of expression, and access to justice, often perpetrated by governments or armed groups.
Displaced Persons
Individuals forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. This can involve internal displacement within a country or seeking refuge in other nations, leading to challenges in accessing basic needs and rebuilding lives.
Humanitarian Crisis
A situation where a large-scale human suffering occurs due to conflict, natural disasters, or other factors. This involves widespread displacement, lack of access to food, water, shelter, and healthcare, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance and intervention.
Q&A
How has the October 7th attack changed Golan's perspective on peace and the Palestinian people?
Golan, who previously believed in peaceful coexistence, now feels disillusioned and angry. He questions the possibility of peace and expresses a sense of betrayal by the Palestinians, leading him to advocate for a separation between Israelis and Palestinians.
What are the challenges faced by Hussein and his family in Gaza after the war?
Hussein describes the ongoing hardships, including displacement, lack of basic necessities like water and electricity, and the emotional toll of being separated from his family. He highlights the widespread misery and the struggle to survive in a war-torn environment.
What are the concerns about the long-term impact of the conflict on the possibility of peace?
Both Golan and Hussein express concerns that the conflict will lead to a cycle of violence and hatred, making peace even more difficult to achieve. They fear that the trauma and loss experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians will make reconciliation seem impossible.
Show Notes
Warning: this episode contains descriptions of war and trauma.
One year ago, Israel suffered the worst terrorist attack in its history. The conflict that followed has become bigger and deadlier by the day, killing tens of thousands of people and expanding from Gaza to Yemen, Lebanon and now Iran.
Today, we return to two men in Israel and Gaza, to hear how their lives have changed.
Guests: Golan Abitbul, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, in southern Israel; and Hussein Owda, who was among more than a million people sheltering in Rafah.
Background reading:
- How Oct. 7 sparked a year of conflict.
- Listen to the first interview with Golan.
- Listen to the first interview with Hussein.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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United States
they don't have enough humanity to let you stay in their land?
One of the most despicable pieces from NYT. 😡 If I could spit on them I would. Of all US outlets NYT has been particularly odious centering the Zionist perspective. This allows the DEHUMANIZING of Palestinians to either justify genocide or play semantic games doing genocide denial. 120K Palestinians as estimated dead which is 5.4% of the Gazan population. THIS should be the story.The history of Israel as a US nation state that used to push Western colonialism is a story even. I will not be back