Podcast
Britain Palestine Project
Hosted by Diana Safieh · EN
Peace with justice, security and equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians
14episodes
Episodes
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BPP Situation Report Episode 2 — Nakba Day Special
2w ago00:34:32Tap to summarizewith Andrew Whitley and Sir Vincent FeanOn Nakba Day, Britain Palestine Project Chair Andrew Whitley and Trustee Sir Vincent Fean return for the second episode of The Situation Report - an unscripted conversation examining the rapidly changing realities in Palestine/Israel and Britain’s response to them.Recorded against the backdrop of Nakba Day, this episode explores the deepening crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, the accelerating annexation of the West Bank, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and the growing political consequences of the war both internationally and here in the UK.Andrew and Vincent discuss the proposed E1 settlement expansion east of Jerusalem, why many diplomats have long viewed it as a “red line”, and what practical measures Britain and its allies could take in response. They examine the ongoing displacement of Palestinians in the Jordan Valley and around Bethlehem, the transfer of occupation powers from military to civilian authorities, and the broader implications for the future of a Palestinian state.The conversation also turns to Gaza: the collapse of meaningful international momentum towards a ceasefire or political settlement, worsening humanitarian conditions, restrictions on journalists and aid agencies, and concerns surrounding detainee treatment and international law.Finally, they reflect on how Gaza has reshaped British political discourse - from public protest movements and electoral politics to debates around antisemitism, civil liberties, and the importance of rejecting false binaries between defending Jewish communities and standing up for Palestinian rights.This is a candid, wide-ranging discussion rooted in diplomacy, international law, historical responsibility, and the urgent political questions of the present moment.
Transcribe →From The Nakba to Camp David
2w ago00:34:20Tap to summarizeFrom the Nakba to Camp David is the “sequel” to our short film Britain in Palestine, continuing the story through the defining decades that shaped the conflict we see today.Drawing on archival footage and historical testimony, the film traces the period from the Nakba of 1948 through to the Camp David Accords — exploring displacement, war, diplomacy, and the political decisions that continue to resonate today. The film is directed by Gillian Mosely, whose previous work includes The Tinderbox and Planet Israel.
Transcribe →Israel: What Went Wrong? with Omer Bartov
3w ago00:56:46Tap to summarizeHow did a state founded in the shadow of catastrophe arrive at this moment of profound crisis?In this urgent and deeply reflective conversation, historian and genocide scholar Professor Omer Bartov joins the Britain Palestine Project to examine the political, moral, and historical trajectory of Israel from its founding to the present day.Drawing on decades of research into nationalism, war, memory, and mass violence, Bartov explores the ideological foundations of the Israeli state, the long-term consequences of occupation, and the growing international debate around human rights, apartheid, and genocide. He also reflects on the changing role of Holocaust memory in Israeli political culture, the collapse of the peace process, and the dangers posed by rising extremism and dehumanisation.This episode asks difficult but essential questions: What went wrong? Could it have been different? And what might accountability, justice, and coexistence look like now?Professor Omer Bartov is an Israeli-American scholar and Dean’s Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University. He has written extensively on war crimes, interethnic relations, nationalism, and genocide.His books include:Anatomy of a Genocide: The Life and Death of a Town Called Buczacz (National Jewish Book Award winner)Genocide, the Holocaust and Israel-Palestine: First-Person History in Times of CrisisIsrael: What Went Wrong? (2026)His essays and commentary have appeared widely in international media and academic publications.The founding ideals of Israel and how they evolvedOccupation, militarisation, and political radicalisationHolocaust memory and national identityGaza and the international legal debateThe collapse of the Oslo peace processZionism, democracy, and ethnonationalismThe role of the international communityProspects for justice, equality, and peaceAbout the SpeakerTopics Discussed
Transcribe →Life in Hebron: Urban Reality in a Complex Context with the Deputy Mayor of Hebron
4w ago00:53:09Tap to summarizeWith Dr. Asma Sharabati, Deputy Mayor of HebronWhat does daily life look like in one of the most contested and tightly controlled cities in the West Bank?In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we’re joined by Dr. Asma Sharabati, Deputy Mayor of Hebron, who offers a rare, ground-level perspective on governing a city under extraordinary pressure. Drawing on her experience in municipal leadership and social sciences, Dr. Sharabati explores how urban life is shaped not just by physical constraints, but by psychological, social, and temporal control.This is not just a conversation about infrastructure - it’s about what it means to live, plan, and survive in a city where even time itself is unpredictable.
Transcribe →Director Gillian Mosely on Planet Israel | Full Q&A
Apr 2400:25:51Tap to summarizeWhat drives a society to justify violence in its own name?Following a screening of Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale, director Gillian Mosely joins the Britain Palestine Project for a powerful and thought-provoking Q&A.Drawing on psychology, history, and lived experience, Planet Israel explores how trauma, identity, and political narratives shape Israeli society—and how these forces contribute to the ongoing war in Gaza.In this discussion, Gillian reflects on:The role of trauma and “collective psychology” in shaping public attitudesWhy so many Israelis support the war effortThe concept of responsibility—and whether trauma can ever justify violenceMedia narratives and the “parallel realities” shaping perceptionThe role of international pressure and shifting global opinionWhether there is still hope—and what it might take to break the cycleGillian also shares insights into the making of the film, audience reactions, and the challenges of bringing such a project to screen.🎬 Planet Israel: A Cautionary Tale is now available in the US via Kinema, with a UK cinema launch at Curzon Soho (14 May) and wider release from June.🔗 Find out more / host a screening:https://planetisrael.co.uk🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more — just search Britain Palestine Project#Palestine #Israel #Gaza #Documentary #MiddleEast #HumanRights #Politics #War #Trauma #Journalism #BritainPalestineProject
Transcribe →The case for an Israeli-Palestinian Confederation: a two-state solution in a one-state reality with Professor Yossi Mekelberg
Apr 1400:57:53Tap to summarizeAfter decades of failed negotiations and a rapidly shifting reality on the ground, is it time to rethink the framework for peace?In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Yossi Mekelberg (Chatham House, University of Roehampton) to explore the idea of an Israeli–Palestinian confederation — a model that seeks to reconcile the increasingly entrenched one-state reality with the enduring need for two states.Drawing on decades of research and policy engagement, Yossi examines why past peace efforts have stalled, what has changed since Oslo, and whether a new political structure could offer a more realistic path forward. In this episode, we explore:Why the traditional two-state model is becoming harder to implementThe “one-state reality” on the ground — and what it means in practiceWhat an Israeli–Palestinian confederation could look likeHow shared governance, open borders and joint institutions might functionThe role of settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem in any future agreementWhy trust, reconciliation and public buy-in are essential to any solutionWhether political leadership — on either side — is capable of delivering change Key takeawaysThe status quo is unsustainable: The current trajectory is worsening conditions on the ground and making traditional solutions harder to achieve.A confederation bridges realities: It attempts to combine two-state principles with the lived reality of deep territorial and demographic entanglement.Reciprocity is key: Any viable solution must balance rights — including for settlers and refugees — in a way both sides can accept.Peace is not just technical: Political agreements alone are not enough — rebuilding trust and humanising the “other” is essential.Leadership matters — but so do people: Change may depend as much on public pressure and shifting narratives as on formal negotiations.📣 About the speakerProfessor Yossi Mekelberg is an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House and a guest professor at the University of Roehampton. His expertise spans Middle East politics, Israeli politics, and the peace process. ❤️ Support our workWe produce these webinars and podcasts for free to reach as wide an audience as possible. If you found this episode valuable, please consider supporting us by becoming a Friend of the Britain Palestine Project.
Transcribe →Britain Recognised Palestine. Now What? (Live at Manchester Punk Festival)
Apr 700:30:21Tap to summarizeWhat does recognition actually mean - and what does it change?In this special live episode recorded at Manchester Punk Festival, Diana Safieh is joined by international law expert Dr Emma Luce Scali (University of Manchester, UN consultant) to unpack one of the biggest political headlines of the year: Britain’s recognition of the State of Palestine.But beyond the announcement - what does recognition actually do?Drawing on international law, political reality, and lived Palestinian experience, this conversation cuts through symbolism to examine power, enforcement, and what meaningful change would really look like on the ground.What it actually means to be a “state” in international lawWhy recognition is important - but not enough on its ownThe gap between legal status and lived reality in PalestineHow international law works (and why enforcement is its biggest weakness)What the International Court of Justice has said about occupation, apartheid, and illegalityWhy settlements are not just symbolic - but structural and permanentThe role of economics: aid, trade, debt, and financial controlWhy aid alone can reinforce, rather than resolve, injusticeWhat obligations states like the UK already have under international lawWatch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts - just search Britain Palestine Project.🌐 www.britainpalestineproject.org📱 Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky & Upscrolled📩 Join our mailing list for campaigns and events🎧 In this episode, we explore:📺 Watch / Listen🔗 Find out more
Transcribe →Lives in the Balance: Medical Evacuations from the Gaza Strip
Mar 2500:50:52Tap to summarizewith Stav Salpeter (Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement)What does it take to leave Gaza for life-saving medical treatment - and why is it so often impossible?Diana Safieh is joined by Stav Salpeter, Director of International Relations at Gisha, an Israeli human rights organisation working to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.Drawing on legal cases, on-the-ground realities, and international law, Stav exposes the systemic barriers preventing critically ill patients from accessing urgent care - and why this is not a logistical failure, but a political one.From the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system to the legal battles required for even a single patient to leave, this conversation lays bare a system where access to healthcare is controlled, delayed, and too often denied.The role of Gisha and its legal advocacy on freedom of movementHow Gaza’s healthcare system has been systematically degradedThe bureaucratic and political barriers to medical evacuationThe closure of the Gaza–West Bank medical corridorThe human cost behind the statistics: real patient casesThe role (and limitations) of third-country evacuationsIsrael’s obligations under international humanitarian lawWhat international pressure can realistically achievePatients often face weeks or months of bureaucratic delays for permits - even in urgent cases - despite conditions that require immediate treatment.Only 20 out of 677 health service points were fully functioning (March data)Severe shortages of medicine, fuel, electricity, and staffMedical professionals have been killed, detained, or denied entryThis creates a public health crisis where evacuation becomes essential - not optional.Despite claims otherwise, the obstruction of medical evacuations is rooted in policy decisions, not geography or capacity.At least 18,500 people are currently waiting for medical evacuationEven under “best case” scenarios, current systems would take over a year to meet existing needsEven when open, far fewer patients than promised are able to leave, and access remains inconsistent and unpredictable.Many cannot travel without a companion (often denied)Parents must decide whether to leave children behindFear of not being allowed to return discourages evacuationAccess to treatment often requires multiple court petitions, even for children.One cancer patient only accessed treatment after six legal petitionsHis son, with a similar condition, died waitingBefore October 2023, around 1,500 patients per month accessed treatment via the Gaza–West Bank corridor.This route is now completely closed due to policy decisions.Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power must ensure access to medical care.Israel disputes its status as an occupying power, limiting its obligations in practice.“It’s much cheaper to kill people with bureaucracy than with bombs.”Pressure governments to reopen the Gaza–West Bank medical corridorAdvocate for increased third-country medical evacuationsChallenge restrictive visa and documentation requirementsContinue raising awareness and pushing for accountabilityStav Salpeter is Director of International Relations at Gisha – Legal Center for Freedom of Movement. Her work focuses on legal advocacy and policy change to ensure Palestinians’ access to fundamental rights, including healthcare.Key Topics CoveredKey Takeaways1. Medical evacuation is a life-or-death issue2. Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse3. The biggest barrier is political - not logistical4. The numbers are staggering - and growing5. The Rafah crossing is not a sufficient solution6. Patients face impossible choices7. Legal battles determine who lives and dies8. A functioning system already existed - and was shut down9. International law is clear - but contested10. Bureaucracy is being used as a tool of control🎯 What Can Be Done?📢 About the Guest
Transcribe →The Declining Christian presence in the Holy Land with Miranda Pinch
Mar 1700:57:54Tap to summarizeWhat is happening to Christian communities in the Holy Land-and why is their presence rapidly declining?Diana Safieh is joined by activist and researcher Miranda Pinch, fresh from a recent visit to the West Bank. Drawing on decades of engagement with Palestine, Miranda offers a first-hand account of the realities facing Palestinian Christians today-challenging common narratives and exposing the structural pressures driving displacement.From East Jerusalem to Hebron, from Christian schools to shrinking communities, this conversation explores how occupation, policy, and economic constraints are reshaping one of the world’s oldest Christian populations.Miranda Pinch is a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights. The daughter of a secular Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, she was raised with a strong awareness of injustice and its consequences.Former Ecumenical Accompanier (EAPPI) in HebronMember of the Holocaust Survivor Descendants NetworkCommunications Lead for Liberal Democrat Friends of PalestineAdvisory Forum member, Britain Palestine ProjectFounder member of CAMPAIN (Campaign Against Misrepresentation in Public Affairs)Director of Balfour to Banksy: Divisions and Visions in Palestine (2017)📉 Decline of Palestinian ChristiansOnce around 8% of the population, Christians now make up less than 2%-and under 1% when excluding immigrants.🏙 Life under occupationRestrictions on movement, land, housing, and employment are contributing to emigration and fragmentation.⛪ Pressure on churches and institutionsChurches face new taxation pressures, legal disputes over land, and financial strain.🎓 Education and resilienceChristian schools remain vital spaces of empowerment-serving both Christian and Muslim students.🚧 Checkpoints, permits, and daily lifeFrom arbitrary closures to humiliating searches, daily realities shape whether people can work, study, or stay.🧠 Misinformation and global narrativesMiranda challenges claims that Christians are thriving, highlighting how statistics can obscure displacement and annexation dynamics.🤝 Christian–Muslim relationsContrary to common assumptions, divisions are not religious but political-rooted in occupation and “divide and rule” dynamics.The decline of Christians in the Holy Land is not incidental-it is shaped by structural pressures.Palestinian Christians share many of the same challenges as their Muslim neighbours.Education, especially for women, remains a key site of resilience.International silence-particularly from churches-remains a major concern.Advocacy, accurate language, and political engagement are essential tools for change.Miranda’s call to action is clear:📣 Speak out-challenge misinformation🏛 Lobby your MP and local institutions⛪ Engage your church or community📤 Share this episode and amplify Palestinian voices
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BPP Situation Report Episode 1 — The State of Gaza, the West Bank and Britain’s Role
Mar 500:39:33Tap to summarizeIn this new spin-off series, Chair Andrew Whitley and Trustee Sir Vincent Fean sit down for a candid, unscripted conversation on the latest developments shaping Palestine, Israel and Britain’s role in the region.Recorded every two months, each episode focuses on the most pressing issues of the moment - from diplomatic shifts and legal developments to UK policy decisions and global political trends that could reshape the landscape.There’s no fixed script. Just informed analysis, decades of diplomatic experience, and honest reflection on what’s happening - and what it means.If you want context beyond headlines, and insight grounded in international law, diplomacy and lived experience, this is your quarterly briefing.In the first episode of the Britain Palestine Project Situation Report, Chair Andrew Whitley and Trustee Sir Vincent Fean discuss the latest developments shaping the situation in Palestine and Israel and the role Britain and the wider international community should be playing.In a candid and unscripted conversation recorded on 5 March, Andrew and Vincent examine the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza, the accelerating dynamics in the West Bank, and the policy choices facing the UK government. They also reflect on the implications of international law, the role of European states, and the pressures shaping Israeli domestic politics.The conversation draws on decades of diplomatic and policy experience to explore what meaningful action could look like and why maintaining international attention on Palestine remains essential even as global crises shift the headlines.Andrew WhitleyAndrew Whitley is founder and executive director of Geo-Political Advisory Services (GPAS), a UK-based consultancy working on the alleviation of armed conflict in the Middle East and Asia. He previously served as Policy Director and interim Chief Executive of The Elders, was a journalist with the BBC and Financial Times, and founded Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division. At the United Nations he held senior posts at UNCTAD, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and UNRWA.Sir Vincent FeanSir Vincent Fean served in the British Diplomatic Service from 1975 to 2014. His final posting was as British Consul-General in Jerusalem (2010–2014). He previously served as Ambassador to Libya and High Commissioner to Malta. Vincent advocates equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians and British government recognition of the State of Palestine alongside Israel on pre-June 1967 lines. He is a Trustee of the Balfour Project.Key themes discussedThe impact of wider regional tensionsThe humanitarian situation in GazaThe relationship between Gaza and the West BankSettlement expansion and the E1 projectInternational law and accountabilityIsraeli domestic politicsThe role of the UK governmentAbout the speakers
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