The recent flare-up between Israel and Hamas has drawn a broad spectrum of reactions from the international community, reflecting a diverse array of stances from countries and global organisations alike.
The United States has been in the spotlight with President Joe Biden engaging in dialogues with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversations have been instrumental in gathering political leaders worldwide to express concern over the conflict and extend their support to Israel.
Down south in the Americas, Brazil steered by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has advocated for a halt in the escalation of the conflict. The country took a step forward by calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, aiming to address the burgeoning crisis through international dialogue. In Argentina, President Alberto Fernández and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship condemned the attacks against Israel. They deplored Hamas’ actions, expressing solidarity with the Israeli people.
Across the Atlantic, the European Commission delineated its stance through President Ursula von der Leyen and Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. Their condemnation of the attacks and affirmation of Israel’s right to defense reflect a shared concern over the escalating violence in the region.
Belgium‘s response echoed a similar sentiment, disapproving the rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. The nation articulated concerns over the perpetuation of violence and its impact on fostering dialogue towards a peaceful resolution.
In South Asia, Pakistan maintains a consistent stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, aligning with the Palestinians’ rights. Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasised that there is no change in Pakistan’s policy regarding Israel and reiterated the country’s advocacy for a “two-state solution” adhering to pertinent United Nations, OIC resolutions, and international law. The envisaged solution stipulates pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital. The discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict has echoed through Pakistan’s corridors of political power, revealing a spectrum of support towards the Palestinian cause. Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delineated the necessity of terminating Israel’s “illegal occupation” and “settlement expansion” on Palestinian territories, underscoring the provocations as a precursor to the unfolding violence. Prime Minister Imran Khan, albeit indirectly, justified Hamas’ actions by showcasing a counterattack narrative on social media, aligning with Palestine’s retaliatory stance. Adding to the chorus, PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar articulated a heart-wrenching concern for the escalating violence, urging for a restrained approach and a two-state solution as a gateway to enduring peace in the Middle East. Bilawal Bhutto, resonating a similar sentiment, voiced deep concerns over the escalating hostilities and advocated for a two-state solution in accordance with international law and resolutions by the UN and OIC. His call for an urgent assembly of the international community to halt hostilities and protect civilians reflects a collective aspiration for restoring peace in the volatile region. Through these statements, the confluence of political thought in Pakistan veers towards a unified stand against Israel’s actions and a strong advocacy for Palestinian statehood and rights.
Bharat‘s stance on the recent Israel-Hamas conflict is a reflection of solidarity with Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that Bharat stands in solidarity with Israel, particularly after the surprise attack by Hamas militants from Gaza which resulted in casualties. The statement by PM Modi expressed shock over the attacks in Israel and extended thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. Aside from political expressions of solidarity, practical measures were also taken in light of the escalating conflict. The Bharati government issued a travel advisory for its citizens following Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas, indicating a level of concern for the safety of Bharati nationals in the affected regions. This advisory was further echoed by the Embassy of Bharat in Israel, which issued a significant advisory for Bharati nationals residing in the region due to the surge in violence following Hamas’ major attack on Israel.
Up north in China, authorities have articulated deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions and violence. The call from Chinese authorities for all involved parties to exercise restraint and prioritise the protection of civilians reflects a balanced stance towards the conflict.
Afghanistan‘s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced concern over the unfolding events in Gaza. They attributed the happenings to actions by Israeli Zionists against Palestinian rights and holy places, supporting the Palestinian people’s defense and resistance.
Australia‘s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, unequivocally condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas, including the indiscriminate rocket fire on cities and civilians.
Algeria took a different tune, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the Israeli bombing of Gaza. They urged international intervention and expressed sympathy for the Palestinians fighting against what they termed as “Israeli colonial settlement”.
Azerbaijan, through its Working Group for Azerbaijan-Israel Inter-Parliamentary Relations, condemned the attack on Israel and expressed condolences, aligning with many nations in condemning the violence.