Israelis and the war in Gaza episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 9, 2025 · 23 MIN

Israelis and the war in Gaza

from The Documentary Podcast · host BBC World Service

Israel faces growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. But on Thursday night Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations, with the aim of defeating Hamas and returning the hostages. The decision has been criticised by world leaders, the United Nations and even the country’s own military leadership. In conversations recorded over the past week, we hear from people in Israel including 18-year-old David, who is shortly to join the Israel Defense Forces. He tells us why he believes the war is necessary. We also bring together the families of two hostages who were killed by Hamas. They want an immediate ceasefire so their loved ones’ bodies can be returned. And we hear from three rabbis grappling with a solution to the conflict. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from BBC OS Conversations, bringing together people from around the world to discuss how major news stories are affecting their lives.

Israel faces growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. But on Thursday night Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations, with the aim of defeating Hamas and returning the hostages. The decision has been criticised by world leaders, the United Nations and even the country’s own military leadership. In conversations recorded over the past week, we hear from people in Israel including 18-year-old David, who is shortly to join the Israel Defense Forces. He tells us why he believes the war is necessary. We also bring together the families of two hostages who were killed by Hamas. They want an immediate ceasefire so their loved ones’ bodies can be returned. And we hear from three rabbis grappling with a solution to the conflict. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from BBC OS Conversations, bringing together people from around the world to discuss how major news stories are affecting their lives.

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Israelis and the war in Gaza

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This episode was published on August 9, 2025.

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Israel faces growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. But on Thursday night Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations, with the aim of defeating Hamas and returning the hostages. The decision has been...

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