Israel’s growing isolation on the world stage. Favorability overall has fallen though the net favorability returned to its worst net levels in Western Europe on record. We are aware that tensions are in fact rising. In order to address today’s persistent crisis, approximately 30 countries—led by China, Spain, and Qatar—came together for a high-level meeting in Bogota, Colombia. These conversations focused on the escalating Israeli military aggression in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Each of these actions ignited an outburst of international outrage and set in motion coordinated efforts from countries around the globe.
The Hague Group, made up of eight countries, has moved quickly and resolutely in opposition to Israel’s actions. Together, they aligned around efforts to rein in the expansion of Israel’s military dominance throughout the area. These steps halt arms deliveries to Israel and prohibit vessels carrying munitions of war. They incorporate a careful examination of public contracts with corporations making money in Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
International Response and Sanctions
The atmosphere surrounding Israel’s military campaign has prompted significant backlash from the international community. One of the strongest immediate fight back has been in the US. They have punished Francesca Albanese, a UN Special Rapporteur, for her daring condemnation of Israel in no uncertain terms. Albanese described the situation as “the most significant political development in the past 20 months,” emphasizing the urgency of global action against perceived injustices.
Other countries have followed suit, condemning the move. Since then, the UK, France and Canada have delivered a strong joint statement condemning Israel’s actions. They characterized these moves as “wholly disproportionate,” marking a sharp downturn in their diplomatic ties. In addition, Israeli government ministers were personally sanctioned by a number of Western states, an unprecedented diplomatic slap in the face.
This rising anger and frustration can be seen at public protests and town halls. High-profile events such as Germany’s Fusion Festival, Poland’s Open’er Festival, and the UK’s Glastonbury Festival have led the way. They have all issued statements condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Midwest public sentiment is continuing to shift in the direction of accountability and justice, as evidenced by these events transforming protests into vote-getting assemblies.
Military Dissent and Internal Protests
Even within Israel there is increasing signs of dissent among Israelis serving in the military. Over 100,000 Israeli reservists have deserted and refused to report for emergency orders to duty. This firm position underscores the domestic discord brewing over the administration’s posturing on the long-running war. Open letters from military members protesting the war have multiplied, signaling a significant shift in the perception of military actions among those directly involved.
“coordinated legal and diplomatic measures” – The Hague Group website.
As military dissent continues to increase within the military, calls for accountability resound from high-profile individuals internationally. This can only mean that here at home, and abroad too, the tides of public opinion are beginning to realign against Israel’s military operations.
Legal Actions and Humanitarian Concerns
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened with alarming speed. Recent escalation, including a military airstrike that struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, killed 3 and has proven to be deadly. The bombing led to an unusual, historic condemnation by the United States, Israel’s closest ally. This move indicates a possible change in U.S. backing for Israel’s attacks in Gaza.
In late December 2023 South Africa further raised the stakes. They recently made a case for genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). ICJ also issued a provisional ruling, finding a “plausible” case for genocide. You wouldn’t know it from their guidance, which told the country to avoid any first-response emergency action. This litigation underscores the urgency of international demands to hold responsible perpetrators of human rights violations amounting to war crimes.
Countries such as Slovenia have gone even further, taking preventative action by banning far right Israeli ministers from stepping foot in their countries. Such moves are a sign of the increasing resolve and courage of countries around the world to hold Israeli officials accountable for their grave violations.
