NormanFinkelsteinAMA

I do not believe that moving the embassy to Jerusalem played a critical role in sparking the protests. The proximate cause of the current round of mass nonviolent resistance is not difficult to discern: Gaza has become unlivable. The people of Gaza are dying a slow but certain death. It is not different than the decision of the Jewish Fighting Organization in the Warsaw Ghetto to adopt armed resistance in 1943 when death loomed on the horizon of the Jews in the ghetto. The horizon might be slightly more removed in Gaza, but that's where the difference ends.

1) It is not me who called Gaza "the biggest concentration camp ever." I was quoting Professor Baruch Kimmerling from Hebrew University, in his book POLITICIDE. I would want to stress that Kimmerling already reached this conclusion BEFORE Israel imposed the merciless blockade on Gaza in 2006. 2) I don't think a "solution" is on the historical agenda right now. We need to focus on concrete, achievable goals, above all, ending the blockade. 3) I am in close contact with people in Gaza from across the political spectrum. I have also followed the reports of respected human rights organizations based in Gaza such as the Palestinian Center for Human Rights. The consensus is that the demonstrations have been overwhelmingly nonviolent.

I am unaware of how UNHRC resolution prejudged the outcome except insofar as the resolution was prompted by a mass slaughter on May 14. Is there grounds to doubt that it happened? Hamas is currently the governing authority in Gaza. It has been urged upon Hamas that it renounce violence and adopt nonviolent mass resistance. It is passing strange that when Hamas does as it was exhorted to do, it's then condemned for "inciting the protests."

You have asked many questions, and time does not allow me to answer all of them. I hope you understand this is not an evasion. It's simply being respectful of others. I will respond in telegraphic form, although I could elaborate if the occasion allowed: (1) Hamas has repeatedly stated that it is open to a protracted "hudna" (more or less ceasefire) of as long as 30 years if the criminal blockade is lifted. Israeli media have reported this offer during the past several weeks, while noting that Israel has ignored all these proposals. (2) I do not support Hezbollah or Hamas. I support their objectives so long as they conform to uncontroversial principles. Thus I supported Hezbollah's right to resist foreign aggressors, and I support Hamas's resistance to Israeli barbarism. (3) If you don't believe that Palestinians can be trusted under any circumstances and whatever concessions they make; and if it's unlikely that Palestinians will acquiesce in their eternal servitude; then it would seem to follow that, in your opinion, the only solution would be to exterminate them.

Gaza has always relied on trade for its economic sustenance. In the face of the blockade, it was inevitable that it would sink into economic paralysis.