Norman Finkelstein Condemns Israel’s “Open-Air Genocide” in Gaza

The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to shock the world, with images of devastation, starvation, and mass death flooding global media. Despite repeated announcements of ceasefires, the ground reality tells a different story-families shattered, entire neighborhoods erased, and a generation of children lost. To explore the deeper geopolitical and moral dimensions of this crisis, India Today Global’s Executive Editor Geeta Mohan sat down with acclaimed political scientist, author, and Holocaust scholar Dr. Norman Finkelstein. Known for his fearless criticism of Israeli and U.S. policy, Finkelstein labels the current events in Gaza as an “open-air genocide,” unfolding in full view of a silent world.

“Gaza Has Been Reduced to Rubble” – Finkelstein on the Ground Reality

Finkelstein argues that the so-called ceasefire is merely a pause in an ongoing campaign of destruction. “Although the hostages held by Hamas have been released, Gaza has been completely destroyed,” he says. According to him, Israel’s real goal has always been to render Gaza uninhabitable-forcing its people to either flee or die in starvation. “The ceasefire only halted the killing temporarily. Now Gaza is rubble.”

Ceasefire Illusion: Violence Still Continues

When asked if the truce is holding, Finkelstein responds, “Not at all. We are already witnessing renewed bombardments. Israel continues its high-tech killing sprees to remind Gaza who controls life and death.” The pattern of periodic bombings and siege tactics reflects a long–term strategy of subjugation rather than peace.

Trump’s Role: “Everything Is a Deal”

Commenting on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement, Finkelstein says, “Trump’s only priority is personal profit. He views the Middle East as a real estate portfolio.” The so-called “Deal of the Century” with Saudi Arabia, according to Finkelstein, was less about diplomacy and more about business contracts benefiting Trump’s family empire. “Israel’s actions in Gaza complicate those deals, so Trump wants to freeze the conflict without addressing its crimes,” he adds.

Israel’s Justification of “Destroying Hamas” – A Cover for Collective Punishment

“That’s a lie,” says Finkelstein bluntly. He argues that Israel’s operations are not limited to military targets. “When Israeli officials claim they are targeting Hamas, they mean all of Gaza’s population. The blockade on food, fuel, and water affects every living being. This is collective punishment.” He emphasizes the human toll, noting, “When one Israeli dies for every 225 Palestinians, that’s not a war-it’s a slaughter.”

“Global Silence Equals Complicity”

When asked why the world remains largely inactive, Finkelstein explains that while public outrage has grown, governments act based on strategic interests. “Gaza holds no strategic value or resources. Most nations fear U.S. retaliation if they act independently,” he says. “Only china appears willing to resist U.S. pressure.”

Arab Governments: “Western Puppets”

Finkelstein is equally critical of the Arab world’s political leadership. “Arab governments have become Western puppets,” he states. “While ordinary citizens sympathize with Palestinians, their governments prioritize alliances with the U.S. and economic stability over moral responsibility.” Internal instability and authoritarianism, he adds, prevent grassroots mobilization in these nations.

“The U.S. Enables Israel’s Genocide”

According to Finkelstein, the United States bears primary responsibility for enabling Israel’s actions. “Without U.S. support, Israel could not sustain this scale of destruction,” he says. “Washington’s goal is to reassert Israel’s deterrence capability, not to save lives. America could stop the genocide tomorrow-but it chooses not to.”

Netanyahu and the Israeli Psyche

When asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unique in his extremism, Finkelstein disagrees. “No, Netanyahu is not the outlier-he’s the reflection of Israeli society. Jewish supremacist ideology is widespread. Surveys show that over 70% of Israeli Jews see no innocents in Gaza and endorse starvation policies. This is societal, not just political.”

Personal Lens: Finkelstein’s Moral Framework

Drawing on his family’s Holocaust history, Finkelstein says, “My parents taught me to oppose suffering wherever it occurs.” He believes the moral legitimacy of Israel’s founding has been undermined by decades of occupation and refusal to comply with international law. “Palestinians long ago accepted Israel’s existence. It’s Israel, backed by the U.S., that rejects peace.”

Two-State Solution: “A Diplomatic Illusion”

With tens of thousands of children dead and Gaza rendered uninhabitable, Finkelstein dismisses the two-state solution as “a farce.” “Israel no longer seeks peace or coexistence-it seeks dominance and revenge. The two-state framework is diplomatic theater, sustained only by Western rhetoric.”

Genocide in Full View: Comparing History’s Atrocities

Finkelstein draws chilling parallels between Gaza and past genocides. “While the Nazis tried to hide their crimes, Israel commits them live on camera,” he says. “That’s what makes this moment historically unique-it’s genocide in plain sight.”

What Future Awaits Palestinians?

“There is no short-term hope,” Finkelstein admits. “Gaza is poisoned, bombed, and unlivable. Reconstruction-if ever allowed-will take decades. Palestinians have nowhere to go. They’re confined and unwanted, even by their neighbors.” Still, he finds resilience in the human spirit. “Somehow, they always find a way to survive.”

Changing Global Opinion

Despite government silence, public sentiment is shifting, especially in the United States. “Grassroots support for Palestine is growing,” he notes, pointing to protests and new political voices, including Muslim mayors in cities with large Jewish populations. “But power structures are slow to respond, and Gaza continues to suffer.”

Finkelstein’s Final Message: “Stop Israel, Stop the U.S.”

In closing, Finkelstein calls for accountability. “The world must stop Israel and the United States. People know the truth, even if their governments ignore it. For Palestinians, the goal now isn’t justice-it’s survival. Justice will come only when the global conscience awakens.”