Global News Podcast: Special Edition Summary
Episode: The World Debate: What Can Stop the War in Gaza?
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Nick Robinson
Produced by: BBC World Service

Introduction

In this special edition of the Global News Podcast, hosted by Nick Robinson of the BBC World Service, the focus centers on the pressing question: "What can stop the war in Gaza?" As international condemnation grows, with 28 countries demanding an immediate halt to the conflict, the debate delves into the effectiveness of such condemnation and the potential role of influential figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump in mediating peace.

Current Situation Overview

The podcast opens by highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 59,000 lives lost since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The conflict has ignited a fierce debate both internationally and within Israel, questioning the pathways to ceasefire and long-term peace.

International Condemnation: Efficacy and Impact

Baroness Arminka Helich, Senior Advisor to former Foreign Secretary William Hague, provides a skeptical view on the impact of international condemnation:

Baroness Helich (03:20): "These are very strong words, but if previous statements made in a similar vein are anything to go by... this will have no effect whatsoever."

She emphasizes that while strong in rhetoric, such condemnations have historically yielded negligible results in altering the course of the conflict.

Simon MacDonald, former head of the Foreign Office and British Ambassador to Israel, echoes this sentiment:

Simon MacDonald (08:56): "No. I think the 28 countries will discover pretty smartly that their words don't really have traction in Jerusalem."

MacDonald suggests that only significant players like the United States and certain Arab nations hold sway in influencing Israeli decisions, rendering broader international statements largely symbolic.

Israeli Perspectives on Ceasefire

Representing Israel, Michael Kleiner, a senior member of the Likud Party, presents the Israeli government's stance:

Michael Kleiner (04:04): "Israel is interested in stopping the war... The moment we get back the hostages and Gaza will be demilitarized, Israel will stop the war."

Kleiner asserts that Israel's actions are contingent upon the release of hostages and the demilitarization of Gaza, framing Hamas as solely responsible for the initiation and continuation of the conflict.

In contrast, Professor Yuli Tamir, founder of the peace movement Peace Now and former Israeli minister, offers a more critical view of the current Israeli government's approach:

Yuli Tamir (06:35): "We are fighting in the streets... public opinion in Israel is changing."

Tamir highlights internal dissent within Israel, suggesting that public sentiment is shifting against prolonged military action, and emphasizes the need for political solutions over military might.

Palestinian Perspectives on Ceasefire

Raja Khalidi, a Palestinian economist and coordinator of the UN's Program of Assistance to the Palestinian people, provides insight into the Palestinian viewpoint:

Raja Khalidi (04:58): "No, they can't and they won't... What is required is much more than that."

Khalidi argues that international condemnation is overdue and insufficient, advocating for more substantial interventions. He identifies the U.S. President and the Israeli populace as pivotal in achieving a ceasefire, expressing doubt over international statements' effectiveness.

Internal Israeli Debate and Peace Movements

Professor Yuli Tamir delves deeper into the internal dynamics within Israel:

Yuli Tamir (40:08): "I just want to say that really, the future lies in finding a replacement for the Hamas, a Palestinian replacement."

Tamir criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu for hindering the rise of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, suggesting that the absence of a viable political counterpart to Hamas prolongs the conflict.

The Role of the United States and President Trump

The discussion shifts to the potential influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump in resolving the conflict. Yuli Tamir posits that Trump holds significant sway over Netanyahu:

Yuli Tamir (32:05): "He [Trump] can say to the Israeli Air Force over Tehran, stop... he controls the scene."

Conversely, Simon MacDonald remains skeptical about Trump exerting decisive pressure:

Simon MacDonald (33:41): "Netanyahu has a pretty good relationship with Trump. So he's not in a mood to put massive pressure on him."

Ankur Desai adds that while Trump is aware of the humanitarian impact, his strategies have yet to yield tangible results:

Ankur Desai (35:22): "Trump's technique is to try to talk something up and then push and hope it's going to happen and it hasn't happened."

Potential Policy Measures and Recommendations

Baroness Arminka Helich discusses possible measures the UK and other Western governments might undertake to escalate pressure on Israel:

Baroness Arminka Helich (12:18): "All of those options ought to be on the table, including recognition of a Palestinian state."

She advocates for a multifaceted approach, including the recognition of Palestine and the implementation of economic measures to support Palestinian sovereignty.

Raja Khalidi responds by emphasizing that mere recognition without economic and political support would be hollow:

Raja Khalidi (13:01): "I don't think it would either... recognition needs to be accompanied by economic measures."

He underscores the necessity of international loans, trade status, and monetary affairs to substantiate the recognition of Palestine as a state.

Possibility of Ceasefire and Negotiations

The panelists explore the feasibility of achieving a ceasefire:

• Simon MacDonald reiterates the limited influence of international condemnation, emphasizing reliance on the United States and selective Arab nations for meaningful intervention.

• Raja Khalidi expresses pessimism about the current trajectory, highlighting the entrenched positions of both Hamas and the Israeli government.

• Professor Yuli Tamir remains cautiously optimistic about internal Israeli opposition influencing future policies, though she acknowledges the challenges posed by the current administration.

Hamas' Position and Threat Assessment

Raja Khalidi comments on Hamas' readiness to engage in a deal under certain conditions:

Raja Khalidi (35:59): "Hamas has been ready to do this deal... However, any ceasefire deal will include international security guarantees for Israel."

On the other hand, Michael Kleiner maintains that without demilitarization and hostage release, Hamas remains a persistent threat:

Michael Kleiner (38:27): "If Israel withdraws without making sure that the Gaza Strip is demilitarized... they will pose a danger."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The debate concludes with mixed sentiments:

• Baroness Arminka Helich remains hopeful that solutions can emerge despite current setbacks:

  Baroness Arminka Helich (40:46): "I believe that there are things that can be done... the killing and massacre are going to stop."

• Simon MacDonald expresses deep concern over the current strategy, suggesting that Netanyahu's approach may only succeed if Palestinian governance in Gaza is effectively dismantled.

• Ankur Desai reflects on the enduring nature of the conflict, emphasizing the need for renewed political initiatives to revive the two-state solution, which currently remains an "empty slogan."

Overall, the panel underscores the complexity of the conflict, the limited impact of international condemnation, internal divisions within Israel and Palestine, and the crucial yet uncertain role of the United States in facilitating a ceasefire and paving the way for lasting peace.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Baroness Arminka Helich (03:20): "These are very strong words, but if previous statements made in a similar vein are anything to go by... this will have no effect whatsoever."

• Michael Kleiner (04:04): "Israel is interested in stopping the war... The moment we get back the hostages and Gaza will be demilitarized, Israel will stop the war."

• Yuli Tamir (06:35): "We are fighting in the streets... public opinion in Israel is changing."

• Raja Khalidi (04:58): "No, they can't and they won't... What is required is much more than that."

• Simon MacDonald (08:56): "No. I think the 28 countries will discover pretty smartly that their words don't really have traction in Jerusalem."

• Yuli Tamir (32:05): "He [Trump] can say to the Israeli Air Force over Tehran, stop... he controls the scene."

• Ankur Desai (35:22): "Trump's technique is to try to talk something up and then push and hope it's going to happen and it hasn't happened."

• Baroness Arminka Helich (40:46): "I believe that there are things that can be done... the killing and massacre are going to stop."

Final Notes

This detailed discussion underscores the multifaceted challenges in halting the war in Gaza, highlighting the interplay between international diplomacy, internal political dynamics, and the pivotal role of key global leaders. The pursuit of peace remains fraught with obstacles, necessitating coordinated efforts and genuine commitment from all parties involved.