A recent interview between Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot and BBC’s Newsnight host Kirsty Wark has drawn criticism, with accusations of being “heartless,” “rude,” and “unprofessional.”
The discussion took place in the aftermath of a breach by the Hamas terrorist group at the Israeli barrier in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a reported death toll of around 900.
Following the attack, Israel conducted air strikes on the Gaza Strip, claiming to have successfully hit 200 targets, resulting in a death toll exceeding 700 according to Palestinian authorities.
The Israeli army reported recovering 1,500 bodies after the initial Hamas attack, with over 100 hostages believed to be held by the group. Israel also imposed a blockade on water, supplies, and electricity to Gaza.
During the interview, Zomlot and Wark addressed the rising death toll in Gaza.
He described the heartbreaking incident where his cousin, her two children, her husband, her mother-in-law, and two other relatives were killed when their building was bombarded. Two of their youngest children, twins aged two, were left in intensive care.
Zomlot expressed concern that these children were now vulnerable targets for the Israeli military, with nowhere to go, and while Wark offered condolences for Zomlot’s personal loss, she also pressed him on whether he could condemn the killing of civilians in Israel and the kidnapping of families.
“Can I just be clear though,” she caveated. “You cannot condone the killing of civilians in Israel, can you? Nor the kidnap of families?”
Zomlot promptly asserted that he and the Palestinian Mission unequivocally reject the targeting and harming of civilians on all sides. He emphasized their commitment to finding a peaceful path and avoiding violence.
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