Palestine This Week: Is the PA fighting Israel's battle in the West Bank?

We begin our first Palestine This Week of 2025 with a look at the latest developments in Gaza and the wider region. From the devastating situation in the besieged enclave, where chilling calls from Israeli officials are urging the forced transfer of civilians under threat of “complete annihilation”, to concerns that occupation forces may seek to visit the same level of death and destruction in southern Gaza as they have already inflicted in the north.

This comes amid reports of Hamas rebuilding its military strength despite immense destruction and the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, raising questions about whether Israel’s actions are part of a broader strategy to continue its aggression without negotiating a ceasefire and the release of captives.

We also turn our attention to revelations that no rape allegations have been filed in connection to the 7 October attacks, challenging sensationalist narratives and raising critical questions about the role the media played in framing public discourse. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority’s suspension of Al Jazeera and its controversial crackdown in the West Bank are examined, with critics suggesting these actions align with the PA’s long-standing role in suppressing Palestinian resistance.

In Syria, we examine the role European powers play in leveraging sanctions as a tool to shape the country’s political future. These measures raise questions about their true intent: Is the goal to support the rebuilding of a war-torn nation, or is it, as many suspect, to ensure that the new government ultimately fails?

Our regular guest, Mouin Rabbani, joins host Nasim Ahmed as we unpack international stories. Among them is the investigation into the actions of IDF soldier Yuval Vagdani in Brazil, where a case was brought against him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Reports suggest that Vagdani fled or escaped – allegedly with Israeli facilitation – to avoid arrest. We also look into the Biden administration’s proposed $8 billion arms deal with Israel and a new bill targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC).