TRANSCRIPT: The Israel-Hamas War — and What It Means for the World: Ian Bremmer

Here is the full transcript of TED Interview titled “The Israel-Hamas War — and What It Means for the World” with political scientist Ian Bremmer. In this conversation, Ian Bremmer provides a comprehensive analysis of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for the world. He discusses the historical context, domestic issues in Israel, global support and condemnation, motivations behind Hamas’ actions, potential involvement of Iran, consequences for the Palestinian people, impact of media coverage, and what to watch for next.

TRANSCRIPT:

Helen Walters: Hello, everybody. Two days ago, on October 7, the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization Hamas attacked Israel, overrunning two military bases, occupying territory, killing hundreds of Israeli citizens and taking dozens more as hostages. It was the most significant breach of Israel’s borders since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

The attacks were clearly long- and well-planned, and they sent shock waves of fear and panic through the region and the world. Obviously, it’s two days later. It is way too soon to understand all of the ramifications of these attacks. But we can try to understand how we got here and the implications of this awful moment.

So we asked our community to share their questions and to answer them, I am joined by Ian Bremmer, president and founder of political risk research and consulting firm Eurasia Group. Hi Ian.

Ian Bremmer: Helen, great to be with you.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE CONFLICT

Helen Walters: All right, so let’s get right to it. We’ve had a number of our community who really want you to explain the very simple question of how we got here. So can you share the historical context for this moment? And if you like, give us a bit of a Gaza 101.

Ian Bremmer:: Well, I mean, Gaza, we’ve got a population — a Palestinian population of just over two million, 2.2 million, exceedingly poor. And, you know, without sovereignty, without statehood, and a part of the Palestinian occupied territories, also the West Bank, more people, 3.5 million. The West Bank run not very well by the Palestinian Authority, which recognizes Israel’s right to exist. Gaza, run really badly, with very little resources, run by Hamas, which does not recognize Israel’s right to exist.