Reactions to the Israel–Hamas war

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Reactions to the Israel–Hamas war include significant geopolitical divisions emerged. Much of the Western world provided "strong" support to Israel militarily and diplomatically,[1] including the United States,[2] United Kingdom,[3] and Germany[4] although the strong support is "at odds with the attitudes of Western publics which continue to shift away from Israel", according to Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Lovatt says that during the Cold War, Israel sided with the West against the Arab countries supported by the Soviets, and Western leaders generally see Israel "as a fellow member of the liberal democratic club" and that this partially "explains the continued strong Western support for Israel – which has now largely become reflexive".[1] In contrast, the Islamic world and much of the Global South denounced the actions of Israel and its allies, criticizing the "moral authority of the West" and alleging that it holds double standards surrounding human rights.[1][5] The double standards, in their view, is condemning an illegal occupation in Ukraine while standing firmly behind Israel that has occupied Palestinian lands.[6]

The United States, United Kingdom, and Germany have supplied Israel with substantial military and medical aid.[3][7][8]

Israel

Main article: Israeli government response to the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel
See also: Mass detentions in the Israel–Hamas war
Volunteers organizing deliveries for soldiers in Nesher
Signs in Hebrew in front of dozens of small Israel flags planted in the grass.
Support sign for the "citizens of south" and IDF soldiers at the policeperson roundabout in Ra'anana, October 2023

A public opinion poll conducted on 23–28 October by the polling company iPanel in collaboration with Tel Aviv University found that 57.5% of Israeli Jews believed the IDF was using "too little" firepower in Gaza, while 36.6% thought the amount of firepower was "appropriate", 4.2% were not sure, and only 1.8% thought the IDF was using "too much" firepower. In contrast, 50.5% of Israeli Arabs believed that the IDF was using "too much" firepower in Gaza.[9] According to a survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, only 10% of Israeli Jews would support a pause in the war in Gaza to allow an exchange of Israeli hostages.[9] A public opinion poll conducted in December 2023 by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 87% of Jewish Israelis supported the war in Gaza.[10] 75% of Jewish Israelis rejected the Biden administration's calls to change the IDF's strategy to one that "reduces the heavy bombing of densely populated areas."[11]

According to a survey carried out by the Hebrew University on 7–9 December on the post-war handling of Gaza, 56% of Israelis opposed the annexation of Gaza with 33% in favor. When questioned on who should administer Gaza in the immediate post-war period, 23% supported a coalition of moderate Arab states, 22% Israeli military rule, 18% an international force, 18% Israeli annexation and 11% the Palestinian Authority.[12] The Direct Polls survey found that 83% of Israelis supported encouraging the voluntary emigration of residents of the Gaza Strip.[13] According to a poll published by the Israel Democracy Institute, 91% of Israeli Jews and 24% of Israeli Arabs believe that the IDF is making an effort to follow international law.[14]

In an Israel Democracy Institute survey of 510 Israeli citizens in early February 2024, 68% of survey respondents supported preventing all international aid from entering Gaza.[15]

Around 170 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested for posts supporting Palestinians in Gaza, which featured quoting Quran verses, "prayers for the people of Gaza, and political analysis of Israeli military operations".[16] Between 1 October and 1 November, the number of Palestinians held in administrative detention, without charge or trial, rose from 1,319 to 2,070.[17][18][19] Prisoners have been subject to torture and at least four prisoners have died in Israeli custody.[17][18][20] The ethics panel of the Knesset voted to suspend politician Ofer Cassif for 45 days over anti-Israel statements in interviews he made after the war broke out. Following a rally in support of Gaza in Haifa, police commissioner Kobi Shabtai threatened to send antiwar protesters to the Gaza Strip. As of 18 October 63 people have been arrested in Israel on suspicion of supporting or inciting "terror" since the start of the conflict, according to Israeli police.[21]

Amidst the escalating violence, Magen David Adom initiated a blood donation drive and the Education Ministry closed schools on 7 October, transitioning to online learning from 15 October.[22] Various events and performances were cancelled or postponed including the Haifa International Film Festival, a Bruno Mars concert, and football matches scheduled by UEFA.[23] The Israeli energy ministry ordered Chevron to temporarily shut down the offshore Tamar gas field.[24] Following a significant drop in the value of the New Israeli Shekel, the Bank of Israel announced that it would sell up to $30 billion in foreign reserves in its first-ever sale of foreign exchange.[25]

Emergency unity government

Main article: Israeli war cabinet

On 11 October, an emergency unity government was formally announced between Likud and National Unity following a joint statement from the latter party, with Benny Gantz, a former defence minister and military chief of staff, joining a war cabinet also consisting of Netanyahu as Prime Minister and Yoav Gallant as Defence Minister. The statement said the unity government would not promote any policy or laws except those related to the ongoing fighting with Hamas.[26][27] It significantly reduces the influence of Netanyahu's previous far-right coalition partners over the conduct of the war, which was one of Gantz's demands.[28] Haaretz reported that former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer would join the war cabinet as observers.[26][29][27]

On 29 October, Netanyahu blamed security chiefs for Hamas's attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter); this was later deleted following criticism.[30]

IDF whistleblowers

Main article: AI-assisted targeting in the Gaza Strip

Sources identified as IDF officials have spoken to the press under the condition of anonymity regarding military strategies and culture resulting in unprecedented human losses. Among the concerns are applications of artificial intelligence, such as the programs Habsora ("the Gospel"), Lavender, and "Where's Daddy?" that identify and track targets potentially linked to Hamas with minimal human oversight. Policy changes include expanding the threshold of acceptable civilian casualties and deliberately hitting targets in their homes, often killing entire family lines.[31] A senior IDF official expressed concern about soldiers "shooting first and asking questions later," particularly in the cases of IDF killing of Israeli hostages and the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack.[32]

Palestinian territories

Gaza

Reactions in Gaza ranged from anger at the international community's response to fear.[33][34] The territory faced numerous major crises. The Israeli blockade caused significant difficulties, including a lack of food, medicine, and water.[35] A pediatrics doctor at Kamal Edwan Hospital described the situation in Gaza as "really dangerous",[36] stating that, as a result of Israel's denial of clean water, babies in his ward were experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.[37] Schools in the Gaza Strip were closed until further notice.[38] Yahya al-Sarraj, the mayor of Gaza City, commented that the Israeli siege was a violation of international law and urged the international community to "support the victims".[39]

West Bank

Initially, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asserted the Palestinians' right to self-defense against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops"[40] and condemned the orders by Israel for residents to evacuate north Gaza, labeling it a "second Nakba".[41] Later, Abbas rejected the killing of civilians on both sides, and said that the Palestinian Liberation Organization was the sole representative of the Palestinians.[42]

Following the attack, celebrations occurred in Nablus.[43] France 24 reported "Hamas called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" to join the battle.[44] Neighborhood watches were established in 50 locations amid fears of reprisals by Israeli settlers, while a general strike was called for 8 October.[45] Seven Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces on 7 October,[44] while 126 others were injured.[45] As of 19 October, Al Jazeera reported that 76 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank and Jerusalem, eight of them by armed Israeli settlers;[46] the Palestinian Health Ministry said that 61 people have been killed and 1,250 injured in the West Bank.[47] The Palestinian Prisoners Club said that 850 Palestinians, including lawmakers, prominent figures, journalists, and former detainees have been arrested by Israeli authorities since the start of the war.[48]

International

Main article: International reactions to the Israel–Hamas war
Further information: Israel–Hamas war protests, Violent incidents in reaction to the Israel–Hamas war, and Calls for a ceasefire during the Israel–Hamas war

On 7 October 2023, a large escalation of the Gaza–Israel conflict began with a coordinated offensive by multiple Palestinian militant groups against Israel. A number of countries, including many of Israel's Western allies, such as the United States and a number of European countries, condemned the attacks by Hamas, expressed solidarity for Israel and stated that Israel has a right to defend itself from armed attacks, while countries of the Muslim world (including the Axis of Resistance) have expressed support for the Palestinians, blaming the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories as being the root cause for the escalation of violence. The events prompted several world leaders to announce their intention to visit Israel, including US President Joe Biden,[49] French President Emmanuel Macron,[50] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz,[51] and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.[52]

Numerous countries called for a ceasefire and de-escalation. International organizations, student organizations, charities, ecumenical Christian organizations, and Jewish and Islamic groups commented on the situation. On 27 October 2023, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce and cessation of hostilities, adopted by a vote of 121 states to 14, with 44 abstentions.[53] As of 6 November 2023, Bolivia has severed diplomatic relations with Israel,[54] while Bahrain,[55] Chad,[56] Chile,[57] Colombia,[58] Honduras,[59] Jordan,[60] South Africa[61] and Turkey[62] have recalled their ambassadors from Israel, citing Israeli actions during the war.

References

  1. ^ a b c Busari, Stephanie; Ebrahim, Nadeen; Al Lawati, Abbas (19 January 2024). "Israel's war in Gaza has exposed a deepening global divide". CNN. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024. Beyond the courtroom drama, experts say divisions over the war in Gaza symbolize a widening gap between Israel and its traditional Western allies, notably the United States and Europe, and a group of nations known as the Global South — countries located primarily in the southern hemisphere, often characterized by lower income levels and developing economies... Israel sided with the West against Soviet-backed Arab regimes during the Cold War, and Western countries largely view it "as a fellow member of the liberal democratic club", he added. "Some of this explains the continued strong Western support for Israel – which has now largely become reflexive."
  2. ^ "Biden condemns Hamas actions, says US is sending Israel military aid". NBC News. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Chuter, Andrew (13 October 2023). "Britain sends spy planes, ships to Mediterranean amid Israel-Hamas war". Defense News. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  4. ^ Radice, Orlando (9 October 2023). "Girls 'raped next to their dead friends' at rave massacre". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  5. ^ Phillips, Tom (1 November 2023). "South American countries recall ambassadors and cut ties with Israel over war with Hamas". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  6. ^ Stuenkel, Oliver (2 Nov 2023). "Why the Global South Is Accusing America of Hypocrisy". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Germany stands firmly alongside Israel". Bundesregierung. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024. The Federal Government is also supporting Israel by providing military and medical equipment.
  8. ^ "The US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel". Associated Press. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  9. ^ a b "What Israelis Think of the War With Hamas". Time. 10 November 2023. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  10. ^ "As death toll mounts in Gaza, veterans of past negotiations weigh in on possibilities for peace". NBC News. 31 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Most Israelis oppose US demand to weaken Gaza fight". Jewish News Syndicate. 2 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Majority of Israelis oppose annexation, resettlement of Gaza – poll". Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  13. ^ "Poll: 83% of Israelis Support Voluntary Emigration from Gaza". The Jewish Press. 24 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Gazans' well-being is secondary to Israel's war plans, Israeli Jews believe – poll". Haaretz. 19 December 2023.
  15. ^ Hermann, Tamar; Kaplan, Yaron (20 February 2024). "Most Israelis: an "Absolute Victory" to the War is Unlikely - War in Gaza Survey 11 (February 12–15, 2024)". Israel Democracy Institute. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024.
  16. ^ Rosenfeld, Arno (18 October 2023). "Dozens of Israelis arrested for social media posts defending Gaza, advocates say". The Forward. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  17. ^ a b Sawafta, Ali; Chacar, Henriette (18 November 2023). "West Bank Palestinians report Israeli beatings, mistreatment". Reuters. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
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  23. ^ "Israel: Matches postponed by Uefa over security situation". BBC Sport. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
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  25. ^ Scheer, Steven; Rabinovitch, Ari (9 October 2023). "Bank of Israel to Sell $30b of Foreign Currency to Stabilize Shekel Amid Gaza War". Reuters. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Israeli PM Netanyahu, opposition leader Gantz to form emergency unity gov't". Al Jazeera. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  27. ^ a b Michaelson, Ruth; Sherwood, Harriet (11 October 2023). "Netanyahu sets up emergency Israeli unity government and war cabinet". The Guardian.
  28. ^ Sharon, Jeremy. "Gantz's entry into government sidelines far right, with judicial overhaul's future dim". Times of Israel. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  29. ^ "Israeli PM, opposition leader agree to form "emergency unity gov't"-Xinhua". english.news.cn.
  30. ^ Kershner, Isabel (29 October 2023). "Netanyahu Apologizes After Blaming Security Chiefs for Failure in Hamas Attack". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  31. ^ Iraqi, Amjad (2024-04-03). "'Lavender': The AI machine directing Israel's bombing spree in Gaza". +972 Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
  32. ^ Magid, Jacob (April 3, 2024). "Senior Israeli official laments culture of 'shoot first, ask later' gaining ground in IDF". Times of Israel. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  33. ^ 'The world has turned its back on Palestinians'. Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023 – via YouTube.
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  35. ^ "Unlawful Gaza Blockade Deadly for Children". Human Rights Watch. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
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  37. ^ Talwar Badam, Ramola (19 October 2023). "Doctors warn of 'catastrophic' conditions in Gaza hospitals as medical supplies dwindle". The National. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
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  39. ^ Exclusive Interview with Gaza Mayor. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023 – via YouTube.
  40. ^ "Mahmoud Abbas: Palestinians have right to defend themselves against 'terror'". Al Arabiya. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
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  43. ^ Ashtiyeh, Jaafar (7 October 2023), Palestinians celebrate in Nablus after fighters infiltrated Israel, Philippine Daily Inquirer, archived from the original on 8 December 2023, retrieved 8 December 2023 – via YouTube
  44. ^ a b "Almost 1,000 killed in Israel war with Hamas". France 24. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023. Hamas called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" and "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle
  45. ^ a b "Israel-Palestine escalation live news: Hamas starts Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Al Jazeera. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  46. ^ Al Tahhan, Zena. "Israel's war on Gaza: Is the West Bank under increased attack too?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  47. ^ Saifi, Zeena; Anderson, Becky; Khadder, Kareem (19 October 2023). "Gaza conflict spills into the West Bank as settler attacks and clashes leave dozens of Palestinians dead". CNN. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
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  50. ^ Berman, Lazar; AFP. "Macron reportedly to visit Israel, says 'intense talks' underway over Gaza hostages". www.timesofisrael.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
  51. ^ Lohse, Eckart; Wyssuwa, Matthias (2023-10-17). "Scholz besucht Israel und warnt Hisbollah und Iran". FAZ.NET (in German). ISSN 0174-4909. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
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  55. ^ "Bahrain recalls ambassador from Israel, cuts economic ties over Gaza war: Parliament". gulfnews.com. November 2, 2023.
  56. ^ Said, Summer. "Chad Recalls Its Ambassador From Israel". WSJ. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  57. ^ "Chile recalls its ambassador to Israel over 'unacceptable' violations in Gaza". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  58. ^ Jaramillo Bernat, Emma (2023-11-01). "Petro se distancia más de Israel: llama a consultas a la embajadora" [Petro distances himself further from Israel: he calls the ambassador for consultations]. El País América Colombia (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  59. ^ "Honduras latest Latin American country to recall ambassador to Israel". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  60. ^ "Jordan recalls ambassador to Israel to protest Gaza 'catastrophe'". Al Jazeera. 1 November 2023.
  61. ^ "South Africa recalls ambassador and diplomatic mission to Israel and accuses it of genocide in Gaza". AP News. 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  62. ^ "Turkey recalls envoy to Israel, 'writes off' Netanyahu". France 24. 2023-11-04. Retrieved 2023-11-04.

External links

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