Why Language Matters in Israel’s War on Gaza

FEATURING NORMAN SOLOMON - In his remarks to the American public on October 19, 2023, President Joe Biden said, “history has taught us that when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, when dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction.” 

Biden was referring to the Palestinian militia known as Hamas which carried out a series of deadly attacks inside Israel on October 7th. But Norman Solomon says that if Hamas is a terrorist organization, then, “the same description fits the Israeli government.” Why is language so important when discussing this war?