Reflections on Gaza one year later: Palestinian-Americans in Illinois continue to grieve and criticize U.S. policies
Palestinian women and their children walk though destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Jebaliya, northern Gaza Strip after Israeli forces withdrew from the area, on May 31, 2024. AP Photo/Enas Rami
Today on The 21st Show, we continue our series of conversations on the last year in Israel, Gaza and beyond. After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 Israelis with hundreds more taken hostage, Israel responded by launching an air and ground offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, including civilians.
Palestinian Illinoians continue to focus on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, mourn the dead and call for a permanent ceasefire in the region while hoping for a different response from the Biden administration on the issue, as the U.S. has expressed unwavering support for Israel since October 7.
Today's panel includes a state representative, spiritual leaders as well as a doctor who volunteered at a hospital in the Gaza Strip earlier this year.
GUESTS
Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid
Democrat of Bridgeview, Illinois
Dr. Thaer Ahmad
Doctor, Chicago; traveled to Gaza earlier this year
Dr. Ash Al-Dadah
Doctor, Champaign-Urbana
Imam Mazhar Mahmood
President, Peoria for Palestine
Sheikh Osama Alrefai
Spiritual Advisor, Peoria for Palestine