Almost two years after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and the devastating Israeli response in Gaza, Professor Adam Habib, vice-chancellor of London’s SOAS, delivered a stark warning in an interview with CGTN. He labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza "genocidal" and described the situation as a "politically orchestrated famine" that highlights a grave humanitarian crisis 😢.
"It is unacceptable that we have the scale of murder broadcast on television," Habib said. He argued that ongoing killings are a damning indictment of humanity itself. "Israel is doing itself a disservice by doing this because if it continues to be a prisoner of right-wing chauvinist politics, which is reflected in its government today, it will be haunted by images of Gaza for decades to come."
But Gaza wasn’t the only concern. Habib also flagged a rightward shift in UK politics, warning that nationalist and partisan rhetoric at home could mirror the hardline trends seen abroad.
Here are three takeaways from his interview:
- Human toll – Nearly 70,000 lives lost in Gaza, countless more injured, and families torn apart.
- Rightward shift – A surge in hardline politics in both Israel and the UK risks sidelining diplomacy and empathy.
- Media’s role – Graphic images broadcast worldwide shape public sentiment and pressure leaders to act.
Habib’s message is a call for our generation to stay informed and engaged. From news junkies to students, entrepreneurs to diaspora communities, the Gaza crisis and political shifts are more than headlines—they’re a challenge to our moral compass 🌍✊. How will we respond? 🤔
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SOAS vice chancellor on Gaza and UK politics' rightward shift
cgtn.com
