West Bank & Gaza

Host Jamie McGoldrick speaks with members of Palestinian human rights organizations on issues in the region. Tensions are high between Palestians and Israelis with a noted uptick in violence in the West Bank since the start of the year. The escalation in violence in the West Bank coincides with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returning to power with an ultra right wing coalition. There are fears that the violence will increase around Ramadan and Passover. In Jamie’s conversations with these human rights groups, they discuss the physical and mental toll all of this is having on people. They talk about the lack of basic needs, like electricity and access to adequate shelter. Members of these groups also explain the economic struggles, with unemployment high, especially with younger people.The guests include Dr. Ayed Yaghi of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, Hamdi Shaqoura from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Milena Ansari from Addameer, Ubai Al-Aboudi from the Bisan Center for Research and Development, and Wesam Ahmad from Al-Haq.