Summary of "Why is Gaza Still Starving?" - Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Release Date: July 29, 2025

In the episode titled "Why is Gaza Still Starving?" of Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files, esteemed journalist Christiane Amanpour and her former husband, Jamie Rubin—a seasoned former U.S. State Department official—delve deep into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conversation spans a range of geopolitical issues, including the strained U.S.-UK relationship under President Trump, the escalating hunger and suffering in Gaza, and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability and international diplomacy.

1. The Special Relationship Under Strain

Discussion Points:

• Trump’s Influence on U.S.-UK Relations: Christiane initiates the episode by highlighting President Trump's recent activities in the UK, emphasizing his trade negotiations and personal interactions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The term "special relationship" is scrutinized, examining its current relevance and effectiveness amidst Trump's unconventional diplomacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Christiane Amanpour [02:05]: “Maybe people don't like the expression special relationship, but it's been there for decades. So we're going to ask and talk about how special is it?”
• Jamie Rubin [02:55]: “Trump respects the UK and wants to be respected by the royal family in the UK. Keir Starmer has done a pretty good job of doing business with Donald Trump, despite the fact they come from politically opposite poles.”
• Jamie Rubin [06:53]: “The UK is unique because we speak English, the U.S. was a colony of the UK, and our governments, cultures, and businesses are deeply aligned. That’s the real special relationship.”

Analysis: Rubin argues that the foundational elements of the U.S.-UK relationship—shared language, historical ties, and aligned governmental and business practices—remain robust despite political fluctuations. However, he criticizes Trump's approach to trade, suggesting that weaponizing economic policies risks alienating traditional allies and undermining long-term strategic partnerships.

2. Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

Discussion Points:

• Blockade and Starvation in Gaza: The core of the episode revolves around the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade that has led to widespread starvation and inadequate medical aid.
• International Response and Aid Delivery: The effectiveness of aid delivery mechanisms, including the controversial airdrops, is examined. Both Amanpour and Rubin express skepticism about the efficacy of aerial aid distribution compared to traditional truck routes.
• Accusations of Genocide: The episode touches upon serious allegations by human rights organizations like B'Tselem, which accuse Israel of actions amounting to genocide, and the international community’s role in either enabling or failing to prevent these atrocities.

Notable Quotes:

• Christiane Amanpour [14:36]: “B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights have said that Israel's onslaught on Gaza includes mass killing both in direct attacks and through creating catastrophic living conditions... They also accuse the international community of enabling genocide.”
• Jamie Rubin [16:05]: “Israel has legitimate security needs, but using food and medicine as weapons is illegal. The Israeli government can fix this under Trump’s influence.”
• Christiane Amanpour [27:44]: “The UN system was banned by Israel, and private organizations have struggled to deliver aid, resulting in preventable deaths and suffering.”

Analysis: Rubin emphasizes the need for constructive pressure on Israel to alleviate Gaza’s suffering, advocating for the restoration of truck-based aid delivery systems. He argues against the use of legalistic language, suggesting that concrete actions and international pressure are more effective than labeling actions as genocide, which may provoke defensive reactions from Israeli authorities. Amanpour underscores the dire humanitarian consequences and the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further loss of life.

3. International Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Discussion Points:

• Recognition of a Palestinian State: The conversation shifts to the political maneuvering around recognizing a Palestinian state, highlighting France’s President Macron and other European nations' support for Palestinian statehood as a means to apply pressure on Hamas and push for a two-state solution.
• Impact of U.S. and European Policies: Rubin critiques President Trump’s inconsistent stance on trade and foreign policy, suggesting that his actions may hinder long-term diplomatic relations and efforts to stabilize the region.
• Potential for a Two-State Solution: Both hosts discuss the viability of a two-state solution as a pathway to peace, with Rubin advocating for conditional recognition of Palestinian statehood to undermine Hamas’s influence and promote lasting peace.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Rubin [28:47]: “A Palestinian state would be the defeat of the Hamas movement. It puts pressure on Hamas to lose political steam because they don’t want a permanent struggle that leads to a one-state solution.”
• Christiane Amanpour [29:35]: “The Palestinian Authority is prepared to agree to the conditions for recognition, which include measures to ensure peace and security.”
• Jamie Rubin [30:32]: “A two-state solution is a defeat for extremists on both sides and a necessary step towards peace.”

Analysis: The hosts converge on the necessity of a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, viewing it as a strategic move to diminish extremist influence and foster regional stability. Rubin highlights the importance of international consensus and conditional recognition to ensure that such a solution is viable and sustainable.

4. Iran’s Nuclear Negotiations and Regional Stability

Discussion Points:

• Impact of Bombings on Iran’s Nuclear Program: The episode explores the repercussions of Israeli and U.S. bombings on Iran’s nuclear facilities, discussing whether these actions will push Iran back to the negotiating table or drive it further underground.
• Role of the E3 and Sanctions: Rubin examines the European Union’s stance, particularly the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK), advocating for the extension of sanctions against Iran unless it complies with nuclear agreements.
• Challenges with International Diplomacy: The complexities of the snapback sanctions process, involving the U.N. Security Council and potential vetoes by Russia and China, are addressed.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Rubin [34:36]: “The Iranians have to decide not to run away from the table because leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA system would be a disaster.”
• Christiane Amanpour [36:06]: “There’s been a conversation among the E3 about extending the snapback process if Iran meets its legal obligations.”
• Jamie Rubin [36:49]: “Trump keeps putting Jamie all over the place on these deadlines. We need to respond promptly.”

Analysis: Rubin advocates for resilience in diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need to keep Iran engaged in negotiations through the extension of sanctions and international pressure. He underscores the fragility of the situation, noting that failure to secure compliance could lead to nuclear proliferation and heightened regional tensions.

5. The Ukraine Conflict and Internal Challenges

Discussion Points:

• Corruption and Leadership Issues in Ukraine: The discussion shifts to internal challenges within Ukraine, specifically the influence of Andrei Yermak, Ukraine’s chief of staff, whose decisions have reportedly hindered effective anti-corruption measures and weakened the country’s international support.
• Potential for EU Accession and NATO Membership: The implications of Ukraine's internal politics on its aspirations to join the European Union and NATO are explored, with Rubin expressing concern that continued corruption and poor leadership could derail these goals.
• Impact of External Influences: The role of Russian interference and North Korean support in the Ukraine conflict is highlighted, painting a picture of a complex and multifaceted war that mirrors global tensions reminiscent of a world war.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Rubin [38:44]: “Zelenskyy gets bad advice from Yermak, leading to decisions that harm Ukraine’s standing and effectiveness.”
• Christiane Amanpour [40:51]: “General Rupert Smith highlights how Russian interference and internal corruption have undermined Ukraine’s progress.”
• Jamie Rubin [42:04]: “The Europeans have to step up their efforts to address corruption and support Ukraine’s aspirations.”

Analysis: Rubin criticizes the internal leadership of Ukraine, particularly the influence of Yermak, suggesting that effective governance is crucial for Ukraine’s success and international support. He links internal corruption to broader geopolitical outcomes, warning that without significant reforms, Ukraine’s chances of EU and NATO membership may be compromised, further destabilizing the region.

6. Concluding Thoughts

Final Reflections: Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin conclude the episode by reiterating the interconnectedness of global crises, emphasizing that solutions require both local and international efforts. They underscore the importance of strategic diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and steadfast alliances in navigating the complexities of today’s geopolitical landscape.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Jamie Rubin [43:58]: “I believe that people in power don’t always see that their actions harm their nations, but recognizing this is essential for progress.”

Overall Analysis: This episode of The Ex Files presents a comprehensive exploration of the Gaza humanitarian crisis within the broader context of international relations and regional stability. Amanpour and Rubin offer insightful analyses, blending on-the-ground reporting with high-level diplomatic critique. Their discussion underscores the urgent need for effective humanitarian intervention in Gaza, strategic diplomacy between global powers, and the resolution of internal conflicts within Ukraine to ensure long-term peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.