Piers Morgan’s Radical Shift on Israel-Palestine

Piers Morgan, a prominent British broadcaster and host of Piers Morgan Uncensored, has undergone a notable transformation in his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Initially a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, Morgan has increasingly criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis and civilian death toll.

Initial Stance: Supporting Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

Following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack—which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 hostages—Piers Morgan positioned himself as a staunch defender of Israel’s right to respond militarily. On Piers Morgan Uncensored, he condemned Hamas’s actions as barbaric and argued that Israel had a duty to eliminate the militant group’s threat. His early episodes featured pro-Israel guests who reinforced this narrative, framing the conflict as a clear battle between a democratic state and a terrorist organization.

The Turning Point: Acknowledging the Humanitarian Toll

As the war progressed, Morgan’s perspective began to shift. By mid-2025, he was openly questioning the proportionality of Israel’s military campaign, which had resulted in over 53,600 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. In a May 30, 2025, post on X, Morgan wrote, “Israel has killed a lot of babies in Gaza, and many 1000s of other children, as it has waged its war against Hamas. That’s not ‘Hamas propaganda’—it’s a cold, hard, undeniable fact.” This statement marked a stark departure from his earlier rhetoric, signaling a growing awareness of the civilian cost of the conflict.

Morgan’s shift was further evident in a debate with journalist Mehdi Hasan on Piers Morgan Uncensored. During the exchange, Morgan conceded that his initial stance on the Gaza conflict had been misguided, admitting, “What we see now is way beyond ‘proportionate.’” This acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis and Israel’s role in it underscored his evolving position.

Recent Podcast Episodes: A Shift in Tone and Guests

Morgan’s podcast has been a key platform for tracking his shift. Early episodes focused heavily on Hamas’s attack and Israel’s response, often featuring guests like Israeli officials or commentators who justified the military campaign. However, in 2024 and 2025, Morgan began diversifying his lineup, inviting pro-Palestinian voices to provide counterpoints.

Bassem Youssef Interview (2024): Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef appeared in a highly viewed episode, using satire to critique the asymmetry in media coverage and the dehumanization of Palestinians. The episode, which garnered millions of views, highlighted Morgan’s willingness to engage with perspectives critical of Israel. Youssef’s argument that Palestinians are often reduced to statistics rather than human stories appeared to resonate with Morgan, who later referenced the civilian toll in subsequent discussions.

Husam Zomlot Interview (2025): Morgan hosted Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot, who detailed the destruction in Gaza and accused Israel of collective punishment. While Morgan challenged Zomlot on Hamas’s role, he allowed the ambassador ample time to articulate the Palestinian perspective—a departure from his earlier, more combative style with such guests.

Debate with Mehdi Hasan (2025): This episode crystallized Morgan’s shift. Hasan pressed Morgan on Israel’s actions, citing specific incidents of civilian casualties and aid blockages. Morgan’s admission of error during this debate was a pivotal moment, reflecting a public reassessment of his views.

Despite these changes, Morgan has faced criticism for uneven moderation—some argue he still pushes back harder on pro-Palestinian guests. Yet, his platforming of these voices in a mainstream setting has undeniably broadened the conversation, aligning with his evolving stance.

A Genuine Change of Heart

One plausible motive for Morgan’s shift is a sincere change of heart, spurred by the overwhelming evidence of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. As reports of civilian deaths—particularly children—mounted, Morgan may have grappled with the moral implications of Israel’s actions. His call on X for Israel to allow international journalists into Gaza, stating, “If you want the ‘entire truth’ to be told in this war, your Govt should let international journalists into Gaza. Today. Otherwise, I shall continue to assume you have something to hide,” suggests a demand for transparency and accountability. This aligns with a journalist’s duty to uncover truth, indicating that Morgan’s shift may stem from a deeper understanding of the conflict’s toll on Palestinians.

Opportunism for Ratings

Conversely, Morgan’s shift could be driven by opportunism. Piers Morgan Uncensored thrives on controversy, and the Gaza conflict has become a polarizing global issue. By pivoting to a more critical stance on Israel, Morgan may be tapping into widespread public concern over the humanitarian crisis to boost viewership. The Bassem Youssef episode’s record-breaking views support this theory—Morgan’s inclusion of pro-Palestinian voices could be a strategic move to attract a larger, more diverse audience. Critics have long labeled him a provocateur who prioritizes clicks over principles, and this shift might reflect a calculated bid to stay relevant amid shifting public sentiment.

While both motives are speculative, the truth likely lies in a mix of the two. Morgan’s journalistic instincts may have prompted genuine reflection, but his flair for showmanship suggests he’s not above leveraging the issue for professional gain.

Recent Israeli Actions in Gaza: A Humanitarian Lens

Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza have drawn sharp criticism. While some aid trucks have been permitted, the volume falls far short of the 500–600 daily trucks the United Nations deems necessary to sustain Gaza’s population. The blockade, tightened since October 2023, has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. U.N. officials have described the aid flow as a “teaspoon,” with looting and insecurity further disrupting distribution.

Israel defends these measures by alleging that Hamas diverts aid for military purposes. However, humanitarian groups argue that the restrictions constitute collective punishment, disproportionately harming civilians. The result is a population on the brink—reports of malnutrition and preventable deaths are rising, painting a grim picture of deliberate deprivation.

Constant Strikes: A Disproportionate Toll

Israel’s military campaign has involved relentless airstrikes and ground operations, targeting Hamas infrastructure but often hitting civilian areas. The Gaza health ministry reports over 53,600 deaths, with a significant portion being women and children. Schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, raising questions about the proportionality of these strikes under international law.

The Israeli military insists its actions are necessary to dismantle Hamas, but the scale of civilian casualties has fueled accusations of indiscriminate bombing. The International Court of Justice has expressed concern over Israel’s failure to adequately protect civilians, and the U.N. has suggested that some actions may amount to war crimes.

Impact on Palestinians: A Catastrophe Unfolding

The human cost in Gaza is staggering. Over 90% of its 2 million residents have been displaced, many repeatedly, with nowhere safe to flee. The destruction of infrastructure has left hospitals inoperable and schools unusable, compounding the crisis. Aid agencies warn of an impending famine, with children dying from hunger and treatable illnesses due to the lack of resources. This suffering, largely borne by civilians uninvolved in the conflict, underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.

Weighing Both Sides

Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas’s attacks is undeniable—October 7, 2023, was a horrific assault that demanded a response. However, the scale and nature of Israel’s retaliation have crossed ethical and legal thresholds for many observers. The high civilian death toll, coupled with the blockade’s stranglehold on aid, suggests a disproportionate approach that punishes an entire population for the actions of a militant minority. Hamas’s tactics, including operating within civilian areas, complicate the situation, but they do not absolve Israel of its responsibility to minimize harm to non-combatants.

From a slightly Palestinian-favoring perspective, the asymmetry of suffering is stark: Gaza’s residents face existential threats daily, while Israel’s advanced military capabilities and international support afford it greater resilience. Yet, objectivity requires recognizing the security dilemmas both sides face—a resolution must address Israeli safety and Palestinian survival alike.

Piers Morgan’s shift on Gaza reflects a broader reckoning with the conflict’s human toll. His recent podcast episodes, featuring voices like Bassem Youssef and Husam Zomlot, reveal a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about Israel’s actions, even as his motives—whether a genuine awakening or a play for relevance—remain debated.

In Gaza, Israel’s withholding of aid and relentless strikes have created a humanitarian disaster, disproportionately devastating Palestinians. While the conflict’s complexities defy simple narratives, the overwhelming suffering of Gaza’s civilians demands urgent attention and a path toward peace that honors the dignity of all involved.