During a conversation with journalist Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro discussed the history of the Gaza Strip and the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He highlighted that Israel unilaterally pulled out of the Gaza Strip in 2005 in an attempt to create security and allow Palestinians to elect a government. However, Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, was elected in a legitimate election, making the Gaza Strip a base for terrorist activities.
Shapiro emphasized that there are no settlements inside the Gaza Strip, and the areas attacked in Israel have been part of the state of Israel since 1948, long before any post-1967 settlements in the West Bank. He noted that Israel has provided humanitarian aid, electricity, and water to the Gaza Strip, as well as work permits for many Palestinians. However, Hamas misuses resources, repurposing construction materials and using civilian buildings to hide behind during conflicts.
Shapiro also pointed out that Israel makes efforts to minimize civilian casualties by warning people to leave targeted areas, while Hamas deliberately locates rocket fire and military headquarters near civilians. Hamas aims to provoke violence and then exploit civilian casualties for propaganda purposes.
Shapiro stressed that Israelis desire a peaceful neighbor in the Gaza Strip but do not have a peace partner in Hamas. If a different Palestinian government sought peace and cooperation, Israel would eagerly support building up the Gaza Strip’s economy.