Q+A S2023E38 - The Israel-Gaza War

This week on Q+A… the conflict tearing apart the Middle East. A month ago, Hamas militants launched their deadly terror attack on Israel. Since then, thousands of people – including children – have been killed and the world is holding its breath amid fears of a broader regional conflict. Where to from here?

As calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the White House says Israel has agreed to daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in its military assault to allow civilians to flee northern Gaza. It comes after days of pressure from the US President as the casualty toll mounts. The UN chief says it's time to end the "spiral of escalation". Will leaders listen?

Meanwhile, domestic issues are mounting for the Albanese Government, with yet another rate rise putting pressure on already cash-strapped households. Can the PM manage to help families without adding to the inflation problem? And Labor has been outflanked on its contentious IR reform, with crossbenchers forcing the government to split its industrial relations mega-bill. It's shaping up to be a turbulent sitting week in parliament.

Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Dave Sharma, Former Australian Ambassador to Israel 
Nasser Mashni, President, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network
Mark Leibler, Lawyer & National Chairman, The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council