In this episode, we analyse the recent resurgence of war and conflict in Israel and Palestine, tracing its roots to a history of violence and retaliation. We discuss the attacks and mass casualties inflicted by Hamas militants, the subsequent Israeli military response, and the unfortunate one-sided mainstream media coverage on this pressing issue.
We scrutinise the actions of both Hamas and the Israeli military, emphasising the need for condemnation, not just in recent events but over the past half-century and explore the interconnectedness between political events in Israel and conflicts in the region, particularly focusing on Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for a coalition “government of annexation and dispossession”. How will that help to achieve peace in the region?
Amid all this, we must not forget the toll on innocent lives, with a stark contrast in casualties between the two sides, shedding light on a massive Palestinian imbalance rarely acknowledged.
We then look at the need for reform in election funding and campaigning, highlighting the Voice to Parliament referendum, revealing the disturbing behaviour and misinformation propagated by some key figures. We discuss the role of social media, the influence of individuals like Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart, and the urgency for campaign and electoral funding reform in Australian politics.
As we approach the day of the Voice to Parliament referendum, irrespective of the result, it’s not as though Reconciliation has been achieved the Closing the Gap process is over: it’s just the start. Lessons have to be learned from this campaign, particularly in the context of misinformation and poor political tactics, that will shape the political landscape and future elections. We analyse the strategies employed by different political parties and the need for a sharpened campaigning strategy by the Labor government if it is to achieve its political goals.
In a political environment riddled with deception and misinformation, we examine the potential pathways for different parties to achieve their goals, all while maintaining a critical eye on the complex relationship between politics and public sentiment.