In a candid interview, B’Tselem spokesperson Yair Dvir claims Israel’s policies represent genocide and calls for an immediate end to occupation, urging global pressure and a return to justice, freedom, and equality.
Pain and Trauma Persist
Yair Dvir, spokesperson for B’Tselem, says the pain and trauma felt after the latest conflict remain intense. Israelis continue to grieve for those killed, for hostages still held in Gaza, and for the psychological scars that loom over society. The ache is a living reminder of the human cost of ongoing hostilities.
Media and Political Narrative Fuels Drama
B’Tselem alleges that domestic politics and media perpetuate a narrative of trauma to legitimize actions, urging society to see only the harm inflicted on Israelis while ignoring state responsibilities. This framing, according to Dvir, keeps the focus on Israeli suffering and diverts attention from the suffering inflicted on Palestinians.
Growing Dissent and Calls for Accountability
Over recent months, voices critical of military operations in Gaza have emerged, even among those who once supported them. Many now recognize that such actions did not secure hostage release and are skeptical that the government prioritizes freeing captives over continuing campaigns of destruction. Dvir stresses that more people are questioning Israel’s strategy and demanding accountability.
Expanding Illegal Settlements and Forced Displacement
Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories has spanned more than five decades, during which illegal settlements and outposts have proliferated, violating both international and Israeli law. These outposts often evolve into fortified enclaves, securing resources and preventing Palestinian access to lands and resources. Since October 7, 2023, the state has forcibly displaced 41 communities and daily incidents of violence have escalated, further tightening the regime’s control.
Urgent Call to End Genocide and Occupation
Dvir concludes that Israel’s relentless campaign equates to genocide and that only by ending occupation and establishing a system founded on justice, freedom, and equality can both Israelis and worldwide Jews achieve lasting security. He urges the international community to move beyond symbolic recognition of a Palestinian state toward tangible pressure applied to Israeli authorities. The fundamental goal, he asserts, is to halt the killing and starvation of people in the region.
