Ghada Karmi on Gaza and the myth of coexistence

Image: Palestinians inspect heavy damage to buildings after an Israeli air strike on the Al-Shati Camp in western Gaza City, May 9, 2026. (Photo by Saeed M. M. T. Jaras/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Audio: Spotify episode — “Ghada Karmi: How Gaza Shattered the Myth of Coexistence”

Program summary
This special edition of The Marc Steiner Show, broadcast on the Nakba anniversary, features a conversation between host Marc Steiner and author and physician Dr. Ghada Karmi. The episode examines recent military operations in Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian impact, and the implications for prospects of Palestinian–Israeli coexistence and political solutions.

Guest
Ghada Karmi — born in Jerusalem and displaced during the 1948 Nakba — trained in medicine at the University of Bristol, founded the first British-Palestinian medical charity in 1972, and served as an Associate Fellow at Chatham House. She is the author of several books, including the memoir In Search of Fatima and One State: The Only Democratic Future for Palestine–Israel.

Credits
– Producer: Rosette Sewali
– Studio production: Cameron Granadino
– Audio post-production: Stephen Frank

Interview highlights (condensed)
– Opening context: The host noted reported casualties since October 7, 2023, and described widespread destruction in Gaza; the program was dedicated to remembering the Nakba and the large number of Palestinians displaced in 1948.
– Karmi’s perspective on the present moment: She said the current situation feels, in some ways, worse than the Nakba she experienced in 1948. She described a loss of confidence that the state of Israel could be transformed in a way that would allow Palestinians to return to their homeland.
– On coexistence and political solutions: Karmi has long advocated a single democratic state in which all residents have equal rights, including an open right of return for Palestinians. However, she said recent developments—particularly attitudes among many Israeli Jews that she perceives as supportive of continued violence—have led her to doubt whether peaceful, equitable coexistence remains feasible.
– On settler colonialism and symmetry with other struggles: Karmi framed much of the Israeli settler population as descendants of settlers rather than an indigenous nation and contrasted the demographic and historical differences with the South African apartheid example. She argued that asking Palestinians to accept equal status with those who have dispossessed them is not morally or politically realistic under current conditions.
– Obstacles and sources of international support: Karmi emphasized the importance of Western political, financial, and diplomatic backing for Israel, especially from the United States, and said ending that support would be crucial to changing the situation.
– Possible turning points: She suggested several hypothetical scenarios that could alter the balance of power, including regional escalation involving Iran or Hezbollah, a shift in U.S. policy, and growing popular international support for Palestinian rights combined with internal fractures within Israeli society (political divisions, draft resistance, economic strain).
– Risks and concerns: Karmi and Steiner discussed the severe risks of further escalation, including the possibility of nuclear use if a state perceives its existence is threatened. Both speakers described the situation as bleak but urged continued efforts for alternatives.
– Core demand for peace: Karmi reiterated that, in her view, a just peace requires Palestinians’ right to return to their homes; she argued that resolving that issue would fundamentally change the political structure and make a different future possible.

Closing
The host thanked Dr. Karmi, noted links to her work would be provided, and invited audience feedback via mss@therealnews.com. The program’s production team and contributors were acknowledged.