Mehdi Reacts to Ben Shapiro's Gaza Genocide Denial

Quick Overview

Mehdi Hasan argues that actions in Gaza constitute genocide according to the 1948 Genocide Convention, contrasting it with Ben Shapiro's denial and highlighting specific Israeli government statements advocating for the destruction of Palestinians. Hasan cites various scholars, including Israeli academics, who define the situation as genocide, while also noting that Ben Shapiro applies the genocide label to China's actions in Xinjiang without the same direct intent to destroy a group, calling this a double standard.

Key Points: Mehdi Hasan defines genocide based on the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which requires intent to destroy a group, in whole or in part. Hasan argues that statements from Israeli officials, such as 'disassemble Gaza' and 'leave it in piles of rubble,' demonstrate the requisite intent to destroy Palestinians. He contrasts this with Ben Shapiro's position, who denies the actions in Gaza are genocide but labels China's actions in Xinjiang as such, despite a different perceived intent. Hasan cites numerous scholars, including Israeli academics and Holocaust historians, who have concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the definition of genocide. He points out that while Bashar al-Assad killed a significant percentage of the Syrian population over a decade, Netanyahu has killed a minimum of 3% of Gaza's population in under two years, questioning the differing classifications. Hasan criticizes Shapiro for dismissing the International Association of Genocide Scholars as an organization he's 'never heard of,' while simultaneously agreeing with Shapiro's assessment of genocide in Xinjiang. Hasan concludes that the intent to destroy a group based on their identity is what differentiates war from genocide, and he believes Israel's actions in Gaza demonstrate this intent.

Context: This video features a segment where journalist Mehdi Hasan critiques Ben Shapiro's stance on the definition of genocide, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza. Hasan dissects the legal definition of genocide and applies it to the actions and statements made by Israeli officials and scholars, contrasting their views with Shapiro's arguments and perceived inconsistencies in his application of the term 'genocide' to different conflicts.