It’s been nearly two years since the devastating events of October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacks on Israel triggered a bitter cycle of military strikes into Gaza. The conflict has claimed almost 70,000 lives and left countless more injured, painting a harrowing picture of human cost.
In a candid interview, Professor Adam Habib, vice-chancellor of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, did not mince words. He described Israel’s military campaign as "genocidal" and pointed to the images of suffering that have become all too familiar on our screens. "What we have is a politically orchestrated famine," he warns, "and it is unacceptable that this scale of murder is broadcast live."
For Habib, the stakes go beyond Gaza’s borders. He sees a troubling parallel in the United Kingdom’s political landscape. As right-wing sentiments gain momentum, the vice-chancellor cautions that short-term electoral gains could haunt nations for generations. "If Israel remains a prisoner of right-wing chauvinist politics, it will be haunted by images of Gaza for decades to come," he argues. "The same risk applies wherever fear and division drive policy."
His message resonates with an audience that spans continents: young global citizens, entrepreneurs, activists and travellers who care about human rights and the future of our interconnected world. Habib’s call for accountability and compassion serves as a powerful reminder that decisions made in halls of power leave real footprints on the ground—far beyond any single election cycle.
As debates over security, justice and national identity continue, voices like Adam Habib’s challenge us to keep human dignity at the center of policy making. In an era marked by polarization, his perspective invites us to ask tough questions: How do we reconcile security with humanity—and what legacy will our leaders leave for future generations?
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SOAS vice chancellor on Gaza and UK politics' rightward shift
cgtn.com
