In the latest episode of De Groene Amsterdammer’s ‘Buitenlandse Zaken’ podcast series, RAW’s Dr. Marijn Hoijtink joins editors Rutger van der Hoeven and Casper Thomas to discuss the Israeli Defence Forces’ (IDF) use of AI in their bombing campaigns in Gaza.

Since the IDF launched Operation Swords of Iron in response to Hamas’ 7 October attacks, reports have emerged highlighting the extensive use of AI in IDF targeting practices. This development has raised significant concerns among experts regarding the level of meaningful human control, proportionality, and accountability in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. 

In the podcast interview, Dr. Hoijtink delves into the specific tasks within the military kill chain that the IDF is automating. She discusses how this AI integration relates to the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties in Gaza, and how these technologies seem to diminish a sense of responsibility for the damage caused by those implementing the algorithmic warfare practices. Furthermore, Dr. Hoijtink elaborates on the methodologies RAW researchers use to uncover the complex realities of today’s high-tech warfare.

Dr. Hoijtink’s insights build on an in-depth article she co-authored with IRW’s Dr. Lauren Gould and Linde Arentze, set to be published in De Groene Amsterdammer magazine on 24 July.

Listen to the full Dutch recording of the podcast below.