British activist abducted by West Bank settlers and deported by Israel - The Latest

In this episode, The Guardian's Lucy Hough interviews Emma Graham Harrison, the chief Middle East correspondent, about recent escalations of violence in the West Bank. The conversation begins with the abduction of a British activist, Finn Jokin, by armed Israeli settlers, who then turned him over to Israeli police. Harrison relays shocking details of the event, including the response from Israeli authorities that arrested Jokin instead of the armed settlers. Creeping systemic violence against Palestinians is a central theme.

Harrison elaborates on the surge of attacks on Palestinians since October 7, linking it to supporting actions from the current Israeli government. Settlements, which the international community views as illegal, are discussed in the context of a long-standing push against Palestinian rights. The episode also highlights the limited reaction from the British government and the global community towards these incidents, suggesting that statements alone are ineffective in enacting real change.

Towards the end, the discussion shifts to the role of the US as an ally to Israel and how internal voices within Israel are calling for international intervention to address the rising violence against Palestinians. Harrison stresses the need for stronger actions globally, amidst ongoing debates about the sustainability of the two-state solution and the impunity enjoyed by settlers. The conversation underscores a critical moment in Palestinian and Israeli relations, with implications for international diplomacy and policy.