Israelis and the war in Gaza

Israel faces growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. But on Thursday night Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations, with the aim of defeating Hamas and returning the hostages. The decision has been criticised by world leaders, the United Nations and even the country’s own military leadership.

In conversations recorded over the past week, we hear from people in Israel including 18-year-old David, who is shortly to join the Israel Defense Forces. He tells us why he believes the war is necessary:

“I think it’s horrible that there are citizens of Gaza that are dying, I think it’s horrible that there are hostages in Gaza that are starving, it’s horrible for all sides,” David says. “But I think it’s still necessary, at least until we have our hostages back, and I think it’s necessary to ensure it won’t happen again.”

We also bring together the families of two hostages who were killed by Hamas. They want an immediate ceasefire so their loved ones’ bodies can be returned. And we hear from three rabbis grappling with a solution to the conflict.

Presenter: Emma Vardy
BBC producers: Iqra Farooq, Ben Davis, Kira Fomenko
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the OS team.

(Photo: Jerusalem protest demands release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)