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Connect the World

Israel Says it is Targeting Hamas Tunnels in Gaza; Knesset Member for New Hope Party Speaks to CNN; Palestinian Protests Taking Place in the West Bank; White House: Biden Told Netanyahu He Expects a Significant De- Escalation in Hostilities Today; Biden Dramatically Scales up Public Pressure on Netanyahu; Growing up in the Middle of the Israel-Gaza Conflict. Aired 11a-12p ET

Aired May 19, 2021 - 11:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[11:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN, Abu Dhabi. This is "Connect the World" with Becky Anderson.

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST: This hour 10 days of fighting over 200 civilians killed and growing pressure for a ceasefire. What happens next well the

U.S. dramatically stepping up pressure on Israel to stop the fighting with Palestinian militants in Gaza?

The White House says President Joe Biden told the Israeli Prime Minister he wants a "Significant de escalation today, one that would lead to a

ceasefire". The White House has not indicated how Benjamin Netanyahu responded.

Egypt, France and Jordan already working on a truce but are we any closer to seeing an end to the deadly cycle of airstrikes and rocket fire? Well,

an IDF official indicated Israel was digging in for more days of fighting.

The conflict exactly had enormous human toll. The Gaza Health Ministry which is run by Hamas says 219 people have been killed since it began 10

days ago. 63 of them well over a third they say were children. A Palestinian journalist was amongst those killed in the latest wave of

strikes.

In Israel 12 people have died as a result of militant fire. The IDF says it has been striking Hamas tunnels amongst other targets. So let's get you on

the ground. CNN's Nic Robertson is at the Israel Gaza border.

And it is not clear, as I said how Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Joe Biden's call for an immediate de escalation with a view to establishing a

ceasefire at this point. But that is a big step by the White House and just how significant and what might be its impact?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: We haven't heard an impact yet from the Prime Minister. We haven't heard from any of his close

political allies or his cabinet members. So really, we're waiting to see how he's going to respond publicly to what President Biden has said.

I think that the moment you know, we're standing where we are at the moment, there's still been exchanges of artillery of rockets being fired

out of Gaza, intercepted in the sky in the last few minutes here last 30 seconds or so intercepted in the sky by the by Iron Dome.

This is a very significant moment, because until now, President Biden has been quite cautious with his language, slowly increasing the sort of

strength with which he is said - he said his last conversation with the Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he supported de escalation.

Now he's saying that he wants to see and he wants to see it, this significant change towards a path, a clear path to a cessation of the

hostilities, that's the strongest. President Biden really of all the world leaders that can talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu is the one that has the

real leverage.

It's the United States has essentially been holding things up that the UN Security Council where other nations have sort of wanted to get again, at

least some language in a diplomatic statement from the UN to put pressure on Israel.

It's the U.S. that's being heading that off. It's the U.S. that gives billions of aid to Israel. It's the U.S. that has, you know, such strong

ties with this country. And Biden's also been coming under domestic pressure from Democrats from senior Democrats who have been saying that he

needs to respond more strongly, more forcefully because of the humanitarian costs, particularly in Gaza.

But as of yet, no response replay from Prime Minister Netanyahu. We would expect to hear some calibration of what of how he's going to characterize

the coming days fairly soon, given what we've heard from the White House.

ANDERSON: Meantime, on the ground, what is the story?

ROBERTSON: Rocket strikes, rockets hitting Ashdod today, getting through the Iron Dome protective wall. Humanitarian mission the Jordanians trying

to take field hospital equipment into Gaza that was going through a border crossing mortars fired at the border crossing.

Israeli security forces close the border crossing because of that continuing targeting by Israel of Hamas' tunnel network. They've tried to

target its Military chief twice apparently failed to do so. So far they're trying to target other Hamas commanders and slowly but surely, that

civilian death toll in Gaza continues to claim more than 60 children killed so far.

More than 30 women killed. I think the figure now is well over - is around about the 220 region of number of people that have been killed. It is an

inexorable increase day by day, almost hour by hour of the suffering in Gaza.

[11:05:00]

ROBERTSON: And on this side there were no casualties from those rocket strikes that came through. One that we saw has landed in a park and other

one failed to explode when it hit a residential building. There was a family there.

The casualty and total in Israel 12 people dead so far two of them have been children. So both sides suffering in this, but I think the consequence

at the moment, the one that the international community particularly is focused on is what's happening in Gaza.

ANDERSON: Yes, absolutely. Nic Robertson is on the ground. Thank you, Nic. Israel's military reporting that four rockets were launched towards Israel

from Lebanese territory, none of them causing any damage.

Israel responded with artillery fire. United Nations peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon who are installed they're now saying the firing has

stopped. Salma Abdelaziz is in Beirut for us. What more do we know at this point?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN REPORTER: Hello, Becky. So just a short time ago four rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel, we understand one was

intercepted one landed in open area and two landed in the sea. We also understand that there were sirens going off in Northern Israel towards the

City of Haifa in that vicinity.

The Israeli military says it has responded with artillery fire towards the source of these rocket positions. Now, what do I know from the Lebanese

side? I know from the national news agency, that the source of these rockets is so far on known. There are a lot of actors in that area, Becky,

as you know, several pro Palestinian factions.

But of course key among them is Hezbollah, the political and militant group that's based in that area. They have made no comment on this so far. They

have not claimed responsibility. Neither has any other group. But let me put this into context for you.

This is the third time that rockets have been fired from Southern Lebanon towards Israel. The first time last week, there was no response from the

Israeli military. It was three rockets. They landed in the sea.

The second time, which was on Monday, those rockets fell inside Lebanon. But the Israeli military did respond. And now this the third time and yet

again, of course, the Israeli military is responding. In addition to the rockets we've also seen some other border incidences around Nakba Day the

day of catastrophe.

There were protests and Israeli military responded with live fire towards protesters who were storming that border fence between Lebanon in Israel.

We know that one protester did die of his wounds and at least two other protesters were wounded.

So what I'm really building here, Becky, is a picture of escalating tensions along that border. And that of course, comes with increased

concern. This country's economy is in freefall; its government is in paralysis. People are quite simply Becky holding their breath hoping this

passes peacefully.

But yet again, third time that rockets is being fired towards Israel, and the second time that the Israeli military is responding. The concern here

is how to make it stop? No actors have claimed responsibility Hezbollah has yet to speak.

The Chief of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah hasn't actually spoken in over a week. So really since tensions escalated in Gaza since we saw that conflict

breakout we have not heard from him. Now we understand from the Lebanese military, that they have increased their operations in that area.

We also understand from - the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, that they are also supporting the Lebanese military. In those increased operations

the United Nations Peacekeeping force also says that's in touch with both sides, the Israeli military and the Lebanese military calling on all sides

to really maximum restraints so that this could de escalate. But Becky, there's a lot of fear. There's a lot of concern. These things can unravel

very quickly.

ANDERSON: Absolutely. Salma Abdelaziz is on the ground Salma, thank you. Sharren Haskel is a Member of the Israeli Knesset for New Hope a right wing

party and he formerly cooed member. I'm connecting you to her now in Tel Aviv.

Thank you for joining us. Joe Biden wants a de escalation and he wants a de escalation today. That is a significant change in U.S. messaging, and one

that many in his party on the left, and many across the international community will applaud. Earlier the Israeli military says it is, "Preparing

for more days of conflict", is that now still likely?

SHARREN HASKEL, ISRAELI NEW HOPE KNESSET MEMBER: Well, everybody wants a de escalation. We all wanted to stop - Hamas bombing to stop. I mean Israeli

families and children have been in shelters for days now, with post traumatic stress with alarms going on with bombardments.

Obviously we want to stop this situation and there is a solution. The one solution is that Hamas stop firing rockets towards Israeli cities and

Israeli civilians. Once they all do that, then definitely there will be a de escalation or stop of the situation.

[11:10:00]

ANDERSON: Right. That is that you say everybody wants a de escalation. That is not strictly true. I've been told by a number of stakeholders involved

in mediation - hang on, hang on. I've been told by a number of stakeholders involved in mediation that Israel is not interested in a ceasefire at this

point.

HASKEL: Well, there are two types of ceasefire. There's a ceasefire when we go back to a normal life to a somewhat of an option of living side by side

on different borders. And there's a ceasefire that Hamas wants now, which is basically to stop for a while, while it's actually accumulating more

weapons and more missiles in order to continue their bombardments and throwing rockets towards Israeli cities.

That kind of ceasefire is not a real ceasefire, once they stop targeting and shooting Israeli civilians, Israeli homes, Israeli cities and then

they'll definitely be de escalation. But as you said, there's one side that doesn't want that Hamas is benefiting from this situation.

Hamas has stopped the elections in Gaza that were meant to actually bring a different government to their people. They're blaming--

ANDERSON: Hang on. With respect, it is not Hamas who has stopped elections in Gaza. It is the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank who postpone

those elections. Look, I need to press on with this. A senior Hamas leader - hold on for one second.

A senior Hamas leader who has directs knowledge of the ongoing mediation efforts, and I really want to stick to these mediation efforts because you

say everybody wants a de escalation at this point. So let's just drill down on what's going on here.

A senior Hamas leader telling CNN those efforts to break a truce have stalled over two main points and let's just discuss those. The first being

Hamas' insistence that Israel stop its provocations at Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and for a resolution of the Sheikh Jarrah forced eviction threat

to be met.

The second being Israel's insistence that the any ceasefire begins, by Hamas at least three hours before Israel stops any military strikes and

Hamas flatly rejects this proposal. So the question that many people are asking is will Israel stop its provocations in Jerusalem? Find a resolution

for the Sheikh Jarrah residents and meet halfway on the ceasefire timing? What are your thoughts?

HASKEL: Well, Becky, I'm so glad I'm on your show, because I have seen that in recent weeks you've been interviewing mainly Palestinian leaders and

teachers and activists and barely any Israelis have been on your show.

ANDERSON: Oh, hang on a minute. No, no, no, no, no I got to stop you there. That is absolutely not true. We always provide platform for--

(CROSS TALK)

ANDERSON: No, I've got to stop you there. I have to stop you there with respect. I have to stop you there for one moment.

HASKEL: Becky.

ANDERSON: We have been - we have been interviewing people on both sides.

HASKEL: --Palestinian point of view. The reason why Hamas have fired rockets has nothing to do with any kind of Israel's measures. I just want

to remind you that more than two weeks ago, Hamas fired 32 rockets into Israeli cities. Israel didn't respond to that.

Did you actually publish that - any of your viewers have seen that Hamas attacked Israel 32 rockets more than two weeks ago. So you know this is not

the real reason behind that. Al Aqsa is under danger, blood libel that's going on for more than 100 years, is going - spooling up every time during

the Ramadan month, every year.

ANDERSON: I'm going to stop you. I'm going to stop you because this conversation is going to go nowhere if we go down a route, which is simply

untrue. We have interviewed Naftali Bennett, we have had the - spokesperson on speaking - and I could I could go on with a list.

So let's just move on here. Because if we get into a conversation, which is about he said, she said we're not going to get anywhere. Look, let me put

this to a military source in Israel has confirmed--

HASKEL: --now and you're not letting me even tell that to you about everything that's really been happening in Jerusalem because that hasn't

been brought up to your viewers as well. But if you don't want me to answer those questions as well, and about those bloodlines, or that they're

spreading at the Al Aqsa Mosque--

ANDERSON: It is--

HASKEL: --are fading violent winds in Jerusalem.

ANDERSON: Let me put to you what the international community is concerned about.

[11:15:00]

ANDERSON: It's not about what we are just doing on the show. It is about - what the - we're just reflecting the international community's position,

for example, through the United Nations. And they are extremely concerned; we hear an almost unanimous voice by what we've heard from the U.S. at the

UN about concerns about provocations at Al Aqsa provocations in the Sheik Jarrah neighborhood and indeed, these civilian casualties on both sides of

this conflict.

So let's talk about de escalation at this point, because then - surely, you agree that that is what is important.

HASKEL: Becky you are speaking about Jerusalem and about Al Aqsa and what's happening there. It's very important for me to also say that. It's been

more than 100 years, that Al Aqsa has been an excuse for massacres in Israel. In 1921 that was the reason for the Jaffa Massacre of Jews, that Al

Aqsa is in danger that someone's going to take over Al Aqsa.

1929 that was the reason for the murder of more than 40 people in the City of - Jews who their neighbors have murdered them every single year this

blood libel that Al Aqsa is that risk. Is one of the main reasons that there's violence in this--

ANDERSON: Let's talk about 2021.

HASKEL: --Jews I think, extremely important to understand that this is a blood libel--

ANDERSON: These are old tragedies. We are - we must talk about what's going on now. We must go - we must talk about what's going on now. How do we

provide a solution at this point? And how do you suggest, as the U.S. has asked that there'll be a de escalation in this violence today?

HASKEL: OK, well, you need to understand Hamas is creating is committing a double war crime. They are hiding behind innocent civilians, Palestinian

civilians, and are hiding their facilities, in civilian areas in hospitals and schools, et cetera. And they're also targeting innocent civilians as

well.

What needs to happen is for Hamas to just stop shooting its rockets towards Israeli and by the way, also Palestinians. I want to tell you about a

Palestinian family in - which eight people were killed. Among them were two children, they were killed by Hamas rockets that fell on their houses.

Hamas actually hit some of its power grid. Once Hamas stop its aggression and stop firing rockets towards innocent civilians, Palestinians and

Israeli, then you will see a decrease in detention. And hopefully, we'll be able to actually finally finish this round of violence.

ANDERSON: That is everybody's hope at this point. Let me get straight to the scene on the ground. Thank you for joining us. Ben Wedeman is in the

West Bank, City of Al-Bireh, where protests are taking place. Ben just describes where you are and what is going on?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we're at the edge of Al-Bireh and of course, basically, this is one of the roads out of this

city. And there is an Israeli checkpoint to just down the road from me.

And this over the years and I mean, over the years has been a clash point, a confrontation point between the inhabitants of this City and Ramallah,

which is just to the south of here. And the Israeli forces who are at that checkpoint.

We understand this is a student demonstration called in solidarity with Gaza, with the people in Sheik Jarrah in Jerusalem, with the Palestinian

Israelis within Israel proper; of course, yesterday was the beginning of what has been called a general strike for exactly that purpose.

At the moment, the situation is relatively calm. There have been tires burned; there are young men and women going forward with rocks and slings,

perhaps to confront the Israeli forces down the road. But this is the new reality we see that these clashes are not so common in the previous month.

But certainly since the tensions began in Jerusalem around the Damascus Gate, the "Bab al-Amud " as it's known in Arabic, and then shifted to the

Sheik Jarrah neighborhood where there were several Palestinian families facing forced eviction from their homes.

[11:20:00]

WEDEMAN: And of course now that there's a hot war between Israel and Gaza, this is certainly energized Palestinians, particularly the younger

generation to try to take direct action to express their anger at what's going on and solidarity with the people of Gaza, Becky.

ANDERSON: Wedeman is on the ground in the West Bank. Thank you, Ben. Coming up, you'll hear my conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister who was

certainly in France last night to help find a way to end the current conflict. I'm going to ask him, what if any progress has been made?

And as protests against the Israeli airstrikes flare inside Israel and around the globe, a Palestinian writer compares this moment to the Black

Lives Matter protests in the U.S. Why? Well, we will - she will explain after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Well, in the past, Egypt has played a big role in mediating ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas. And now it is hoping to help

broker a similar deal. The leaders of Egypt, Jordan and France have been meeting to try and map out a way out of this conflict.

Now ahead of the news that President Biden today has urged Israel to de escalate now, I asked Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, about

progress being made behind the scenes.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAMESH SHOUKRY, EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: We are working diligently to achieve a ceasefire. I think the consequences of the escalation of the

violence and the loss of life and destruction certainly necessitates that all efforts are undertaken to achieve a ceasefire to avoid the escalation

and to avoid the widening of the conflict.

Our efforts have been consistent in that regard. I have been reaching out to all parties concerned, spoken to Minister Ashkenazi; I've spoken

Secretary Blinken and a variety of foreign ministers from the European Union.

There's a great deal of interest, again, foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference. And we continue to coordinate with all

our partners to achieve a ceasefire to prevent the ongoing escalation and the subsequent potential of loss of life.

ANDERON: Who or what is getting in the way of a ceasefire agreement at this point?

SHOUKRY: We are working hard with all of the parties concerned and we hope that sooner rather than later we will be in a position to declare a

ceasefire to relieve the current tension.

ANDERSON: I spoke to Jordan's Foreign Minister earlier on he was emphatic that the Israelis need to get on board with this ceasefire or any

ceasefire, is that your understanding that it is the Israelis holding up the opportunity of a ceasefire at this point?

[11:25:00]

SHOUKRY: We have been in close consultations with the Israelis with the Palestinian Authority with Hamas. And we have reassurances that the

Palestinians are eager to resolve this escalation.

ANDERSON: I just wonder the French President has talked about concrete proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. And you have been in

discussions today at the Elysee Palace with the French President Emmanuel Macron.

Let's just talk about the details of what that concrete proposal might look like, for example, do these proposals demand some flexibility by both sides

Hamas and Israel, on Jerusalem. And if so, how, sir?

SHOUKRY: All the three leaders did have a very in depth discussion on the current crisis and the need to work together to resolve it and to regain

tranquility in the region. And primarily, the three leaders indicated their desire to work among themselves, but also to work closely with our

international partners, and through the international mechanisms that are available, so that we can have a ceasefire as soon as possible.

ANDERSON: As soon as possible to your mind means when, sir?

SHOUKRY: If it was up to me, it would be yesterday. But we have to continue to work until the will exists to implement the ceasefire.

ANDERSON: In a word sir, tonight in Paris having been in meetings with President Macron are you optimistic or pessimistic of progress at this

point?

SHOUKRY: I think we always have to be optimistic because this impacts normal people and their lives and the lives of their children.

ANDERSON: I spoke earlier with Jordans' Foreign Minister. He is urging the Biden Administration to play a leading role in calls for a ceasefire. I

know you will be well aware that President Biden says he supports a ceasefire, but he's not calling for or demanding one.

And he has repeatedly stopped short of calling on Israel to end its bombing campaign in Gaza. What further pressure do you believe America can or

should put on Israel to end its offensive?

SHOUKRY: Well, United States has always played a central role in facilitating the peace process in providing the opportunity for both sides

to undertake serious and constructive bilateral negotiations, and has been constantly a moderating factor in providing the opportunity to the peace

negotiations.

I believe that the United States is in a position by nature of the policies that were advocated by Secretary Blinken and by President Biden to play a

constructive and an important role in facilitating a ceasefire.

ANDERSON: If a ceasefire isn't agreed how badly do things get?

SHOUKRY: Certainly, I think we can all anticipate that continuing humanitarian crisis will ensue that actions and reactions will have an

impact on the security and stability of the region and will make the possibilities of further stability and the ability to normalize the

situation among the states of a region and address the aspirations of the people in providing better living conditions and a better future for

themselves and their children and grandchildren will all be put in jeopardy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Interview, let me just remind you was recorded before the news in the past hour, that Joe Biden has now told the Israeli Prime Minister he

wants to see a de escalation today. It is not clear whether Benjamin Netanyahu provided any assurance to that end.

We continue to ensure that we are reporting the granular detail on this conflict that is our job. People's lives that have been lost and more are

at stake. You're watching "Connect the World" from our Middle East Programming Headquarters here in Abu Dhabi.

[11:30:00]

ANDERSON: Still ahead tonight, the American President scaling up pressure on Israel's Prime Minister for a quick ceasefire with Hamas. More on that

as we look at the events leading up to what is this latest Middle East bloodshed?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: U.S. President Joe Biden is significantly ramping up pressure on his Israeli counterpart to end Israel's Gaza offensive. The White House

saying Mr. Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a "Significant de escalation in hostilities by days" and declining to reveal if the president

received assurances from Mr. Netanyahu that that will happen.

This conflict is in its 10th day. Earlier an Israeli military official said Israel is preparing for more days of fighting. Well, as we've mentioned

this week, this is the deadliest violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in seven years. So how do we get to this point Nic Robertson with

a timeline now of events explaining why tensions escalated so quickly?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERTSON (voice over): The current violence between Israelis and Palestinians hasn't been this bad for many years. With the UN warning the

conflict could escalate into full scale war. But how did the situation explode so suddenly?

The proposed eviction of several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem is one factor driving the latest

violence. They've been living in the area since 1956. And the possibility of eviction sparked international criticism and a protest, which left 22

Palestinians injured when Israeli police moved in to clear a road.

Israeli police clashed with Palestinians after Friday prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque built on a compound known to Muslims as the noble sanctuary and

to Jews as the Temple Mount. It is one of the holiest sites in the city for both religions. Israeli police fired stun grenades inside the mosque

itself, while Palestinians threw stones.

As many as 205 Palestinians were injured in the violence. Two days later, the Israeli Supreme Court postponed a decision on evicting the Palestinian

families from their homes, and the Jerusalem Day parade was rerouted to try and avoid further confrontation. Sirens sounded in Jerusalem at 6 pm as

militant groups in Gaza namely Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired six rockets at the city in retaliation, they say for the action of the Israeli police.

[11:35:00]

ROBERTSON (voice over): Israel then launched airstrikes into Gaza and called up 7000 army reservists into active duty. A massive all day barrage

of rockets from Gaza pounded Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, forcing Israel's main International Airport, Ben Gurion to close.

So far, over 3000 rockets have been fired into Israel, and at least a dozen people have been killed, according to the IDF. Israel's bombing campaign in

Gaza has killed over 200 people and injured hundreds more. According to the Hamas run Gaza Ministry of Health at least 61 of the dead are children.

Israel claims over 100 militants have been killed. There has been gathering international condemnation. But putting an end to the violence looks

increasingly difficult. Political, religious and nationalist factors all play a role and as the situation in the West Bank and Gaza intensifies

there are also growing concern that the violence could spread even further.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Israeli airstrikes in the deaths of more than 200 people in Gaza has sparked protests around the world demonstrators turned out in

Washington D.C. to show solidarity with Palestinians. There have also been pro Palestinian demonstrations in New York and Berlin, Beirut and in Madrid

in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, Arab Israelis turned out protests, similar demonstrations have been taking place across Israel and across the

West Bank.

Well, my next guest likened this movement to the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, saying "What we are seeing in the streets

protesting about now is not one killing or one violent riot but a whole regime of oppression that destroys our bodies, our homes, our communities,

our hopes, just as the protests for black lives that spread across the U.S. last year, were not only about George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, or any one

killing".

Well, these words coming from Palestinian Writer and Researcher Mariam Barghouti, she joins me now from Ramallah - from Ramallah in the West Bank.

Thank you, the conceit of your argument is clear. And let's be quite clear from the outset, people's lives on both sides of this conflict are being

lost. And I do want to give you the opportunity to address that, before we move on.

MARIAM BARGHOUTI, PALESTINIAN WRITER AND RESEARCHER: Palestinians have been ethnically cleansed for 73 years, Becky, so when you mentioned that this is

the 10th day of the conflict. And I think that that's problematic. I don't like in the Palestinian struggle to the struggle against white supremacy in

the U.S.

Because to compare as the same struggle is, I think, an injustice to other struggles. What I'm comparing are the oppressors and the systemic violence

that is employed against Palestinians here and against young black Americans in the U.S. So we need to bring that into light.

The argument of the killings on both sides is requires an address of the Palestinian people being ethnically cleansed from their land. We're not

just being killed; basically, our lives were being turned into a homeless population. 50 percent of Palestinians are in the Diasporas and they're

abroad.

ANDERSON: You're Palestinian American yourself, what do you make of the American response to this violence? The latest from the White House's that

Joe Biden has lent heavily on Benjamin Netanyahu today in suggesting he wants to see a de escalation today your perception or your sense of the

U.S. position and at this point?

BARGHOUTI: I think the U.S. has been cowardly for years on the issue of Palestine. I think there's a hesitation to actually call out Israel on its

crimes because Israel monopolized on the argument of being the only ally of the U.S. in the Middle East.

Really, Israel is just the only ally of American white supremacy in this part of the world. The U.S. has been acting as a bully in the UN, which

continues to fail justice and the Palestinian people and calling out Israel.

The U.S. has been using its veto card as though it's the monarchy of the UN. It's becoming very similar to the authoritarian regimes we've seen in

the Arab world. The way the U.S. has been acting

[11:40:00]

BARGHOUTI: And I think Biden is this empowered, like most American presidents and calling this out. They continue to give military aid

assistance to Israel. And let us keep in mind that most of the aid is in military. This is the army that is bombing - now this is the army that

lamented shooting the knees of Palestinian protesters in 2018 in the West.

They actually turned it into a game and a competition of which Israeli soldier can fire and score the needs of children and protesters?

ANDERSON: You are - you will be well aware of the argument that that Hamas has been opportunistic in this current situation, filling a void a vacuum

for Palestinians, who are - want for other Palestinian leadership? You are in Ramallah and what do you want to see from the Palestinian leadership

next?

ANDERSON: I mean, the Palestinians, you know, in Ramallah, in the West Bank, Israeli Arabs don't have a seat at the table. How do they get one

with this current leadership, criticizes, inept, inefficient, and it was corrupt?

BARGHOUTI: Right. So Palestinian leadership has been corrupt and we have actually protested against Palestinian leadership over the past couple of

years, and in their failure to actually represent the demands of Palestinians. And that is freedom.

They are not Israeli Arab, Becky, they are Palestinians who have been - there was an attempt to strip them of their Palestinian identity. So let us

at least honor their identity on by saying the word Palestinian, not Israeli Arabs.

I think right now, what is required is, first and foremost, the lifting of the - before anyone wants to speak about Hamas or any Palestinian

confrontation of their systemic killing, then start taking the steps to one lift the siege off of - two ending the occupation and apartheid, that is

happening here.

And three, start calling them Palestinian these very concrete steps that need to be taken before anyone can ask anything about Hamas, or Palestinian

demonstrators. It's not just Hamas. Israel has said oh, well, these Palestinians are rioting, and fired live ammunition at us.

So the fact that we're still using that as a way to de legitimize our yearning to live is that this service, not just to Palestinians, but anyone

that echoed the will to have justice in the world and in the globe.

ANDERSON: Do you applaud Joe Biden's position today? You say it is late, but do you applaud his position calling for de escalation? At the end of

the day people are dying on both sides of this conflict? I know that there is there is an enormous amount of more to this than simply the conflict

that is going on between Hamas and Israel at this point. But do you agree?

BARGHOUTI: It's not.

ANERSON: So many in the international community who say, cessation of violence now at this point before anything else can get done?

BARGHOUTI: I think yes, there should be a de escalation. And it should begin by calling out the Israeli army. Israel has been arresting

Palestinians for and sentencing them for years in prison, and their 15 year old being put in military prisons for throwing a stone, then let's starts

holding the soldiers who are acquiring live ammunition at Palestinians accountable.

If you want to de escalation of the situation you need to take the concrete steps instead of saying, oh, we're deeply concerned or we're very serious

about our condemnation of Israel. Take accountability, be empowered enough.

If you were voted into a position of power, and yet you're going to continue acting like you're powerless, then you should not be in that

position.

ANDERSON: With that, we'll leave it there. Miriam Barghouti, thank you for joining us today.

BARGHOUTI: Thank you Becky.

ANDERSON: --analysis inside from Ramallah. Today, Turkey's President criticizing the international community for not taking action against

Israel following a cabinet meeting Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted Washington's proposed $735 million weapons sale to Israel.

In comments directed at Joe Biden he said, "You're writing history with your bloody hands". Well, the Biden Administration has approved the sale

before the latest outbreak of violence the Turkish President also calling out Austria for flying an Israeli flag Friday over the federal Chancellery.

[11:45:00]

ANDERSON: The Austrian Chancellor had said the move was a mark of solidarity. Well meanwhile, the U.S. State Department issued a statement

condemning Mr. Erdogan's recent comments about Israel as anti-Semitic. The statement did not specify which comments it was referring to.

You're watching "Connect the World". I'm Becky Anderson. Ahead on this show, Kenya running out of COVID vaccines and running out of time, the

shipment it is hoping to get its hands on before people miss the window for their second dose.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Kenya is just days away from running out of COVID-19 vaccine. Well, now doctors now hoping to get some of the 80 million doses being

donated by the U.S. in time for people to get their second shots.

Now these doses are especially crucial to countries like Kenya whose Covax shipments were disrupted after India said it wouldn't be able to supply the

vaccine sharing program anymore until the end of the year.

Well, our Larry Madowo has been speaking to the Kenyan Health Minister about the vaccine situation and he joins us from Nairobi. What did you

learn, Larry?

LARRY MADOWO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We learned that Kenya has maybe two or three days away from running out of vaccines completely. Kenya got about a

million shots from the Covax initiative of the World Health Organization that helps low and middle income countries get vaccines.

But that's almost all entirely used up and now with India not exporting vaccines. The Serum Institute, which is the world's largest vaccine

manufacturer, in the last day or so, said they don't expect to begin exporting vaccines internationally until the end of the year.

So what Kenya is doing here speaks to the desperation across the African Continent to inoculate people, and yet there's no vaccines coming. So

they're looking to other directions. This is the Kenyan Health Minister, Mutahi Kagwe.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MUTAHI KAGWE, KENYAN HEALTH MINISTER: I think that vaccine nationalism is something that has cropped up across the world. And I have two views on

this. The first one is that as a continent, we must stop believing that there is anybody out there who is a Good Samaritan, a biblical Samaritan

who is just about to come and help us.

There's nothing like that. You know, this association we have - where we have seen very clearly, it's everyone for himself or for herself and God

for us all, clearly, and therefore he going into the future, the local production, local manufacturing or pharmaceutical commodities and products

is an absolute must.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MADOWO: What the Kenyan Health Minister is alluded into there is the realization across the African Continent that relying on the West relying

on manufacturers outside of the continent is a dangerous game.

[11:50:00]

MADOWO: And what he's suggesting is that many of the African countries will be switching to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is manufactured in

South Africa. And hopefully it's also single shot so you can get more people vaccinated much faster than waiting for second - AstraZeneca from

India, which might not be coming, Becky.

ANDERSON: Larry, thank you. Up next, how do you hang on to her when you are 10 years old and your world is literally ruined? Growing up in Gaza, a

close up report is just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Well, what they are doing is killing children an outrage lament from the Head of the Norwegian Refugee Council. He says both sides need to

be held accountable for the deaths of children in Gaza.

Jan Egeland also telling CNN that 11 of more than 60 youngsters who died in recent Israeli airstrikes were in a trauma program run by his aid agency

the idea was to give them some degree of coping skills when they are surrounded by so much conflict.

Well, at the end of the day, it is the kids that really matter. CNN's Arwa Damon introduces us to a 10 year old girl in Gaza and she describes what

she is forced to face. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ARWA DAMON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): It's the juxtaposition that is perhaps the most jarring. Between the clips Nadine,

an aspiring social media influencer, used to post about her life, often featuring her younger brother --. And the clip that was posted of her that

went viral.

NADINE ABDULLATIEF, GAZA RESIDENT: What do you expect me to do, fix it? I'm only 10. I can't even deal with it this anymore. I just want to be a doctor

or anything to help my people but I can't. I'm just

DAMON (voice over): She is just a kid. But at the same time, she's not anymore.

ABDULLATIEF: I was not laughing because it was funny. I was laughing because I was trying to keep my brother calm down. I love you. We were back

again here and this is all you got for this school.

DAMON (voice over): This is what they should have been getting ready for instead--

ABDULLATIEF: This is my bag in case anything happens or our house gets exploded. I don't really care about any of those things are in the bags. As

I said, I care about family. I care about other people. And that's it. When the explosion happens we all hang out in this room. It's better to die, all

of us together. This is where explosion see right there. There's the ambulance.

[11:55:00]

ABDULLATIEF: I think that's the house.

DAMON (voice over): Of course Nadine gets scared her mother says. She covers her fear for her brother.

ABDULLATIEF: Small potatoes. This is like breakfast dinner.

DAMON (voice over): Nadine's mother watches her family, as if she's quietly relishing in the laughter of the younger generations. For laughter is more

precious in times like this, when you know, even if you are just a kid, that it can end at any moment. Arwa Damon, CNN.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: It is painful. But it is important to see that reporting and it's not just to see it, it's also important that you know how you might be able

to help out and you can help those caught up in the fighting by going to cnn.com/impact. If you're able to watch this, you are able to log on there

now and do something.

And if you choose to, then this list of organizations that are on the ground right now may be useful to you. And as we as well as helping there

we can all take a lesson from we've just seen you can take a look around your own families, to all of those who are important in your life. The

younger ones especially and remember to cherish every moment it is so important wherever you are, to take care stay well and look after cost

yourselves and it's very good evening from Abu Dhabi.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

END