Nineteen Months into the Gaza War: Israel Faces Mounting Criticism
Nineteen months since the war in Gaza and the Hamas strikes on October 7, Israel has been facing fresh international criticism and growing more distant from its allies and partners. The current government of Benjamin Netanyahu called on Israeli reservists and reaffirmed that it will continue to reoccupy Gaza once more. At the same time, violence in the West Bank and the unlawful growth of settlements go unaddressed. On top of that, Israel ceased delivering humanitarian aid into Gaza for two months in an attempt to put pressure on Hamas to free the remaining captives held in the territory, which led to severe starvation and harsh conditions for life.
Gaza War: Global Condemnation Intensifies Amid Israel’s Military Escalation
In response, a joint statement from the UK, France, and Canada severely condemned Israel’s war effort. David Lammy, the UK’s foreign secretary, also stated that trade dialogue with Israel would be suspended and that settlers and groups responsible for violence in the West Bank would face sanctions. The remarks came after the Dutch foreign minister demanded a revision of the association agreement between the EU and Israel. A number of EU governments backed the action, which criticized Israel’s conduct and may result in sanctions.
The prime minister of Spain even went so far as to refer to Israel as a murderous state. Unbelievably, even the ardently pro-Israel Trump administration has distanced itself from Netanyahu’s administration; during his Middle East tour, Donald Trump has chosen not to visit Israel. JD Vance, the US vice president, has also chosen to put off a trip to Israel, indicating that the government wishes to distance itself from the illusion of this never-ending conflict.
Given that the rising chorus of international condemnation points to a clear change in global sentiment, Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition are unlikely to be stopped from their military campaign against Hamas and their plans for territorial expansion, without greater forceful measures, such as additional sanctions, external recognition of Palestinian statehood, and increased support from Israel’s opposition.
Despite the fact that Netanyahu is clearly under mounting pressure from both local and foreign sources, neither is enough to compel a change in approach or calculations at this time. Under the cover of national security, his coalition of right-wing allies still views the conflict in Gaza as a chance to increase Israel’s territorial claims. In an attempt to maintain his position of power until 2026, Netanyahu has criticized Europe and the United Kingdom, asserting that Israel is leading a conflict between “civilization and barbarism.”
Internal Protests Rise Against Israel’s War Strategy and Judiciary Overhaul
Opposition is growing inside Israel. Large-scale protests have been triggered by the ongoing assault on Israeli hostages in Gaza, with families and civil society organizations calling for prompt action. 67% of Israelis, according to polls, want the war to cease and the captives sent home. Meanwhile, protests over what many see as a collapse of democratic checks and balances have been reignited by Netanyahu’s campaign for divisive judiciary reforms.
Tensions between the government and the security establishment came to light when the Supreme Court intervened in a rare legal battle that resulted from his effort to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Voters who are fed up with the government’s war policy and domestic agenda are turning to political opponents like Yair Golan, the leader of the Democratic party, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Yet, a more coherent and forward-thinking opposition coalition will be vital to pose a significant threat to Netanyahu’s hold on power.
Saudi-French UN Conference Could Shift the Global Stance
There may soon be a chance for more international pressure that goes beyond exaggeration. A potentially crucial event is the Saudi-French conference on Palestine that will take place at the UN headquarters in New York next month. The conference’s objectives are to coordinate global reactions to the Gaza tragedy and rejuvenate multilateral participation for Palestinian statehood. Since 148 nations have already recognized Palestine as a state, the occasion may serve as a basis for more nations, notably those in Europe, to do the same. During the meeting, France referred to the idea of declaring its acceptance of Palestinian statehood. The UK is thinking of backing this action as well.
Normalization With Saudi Arabia Hinges on a Two-State Commitment
Until Israel accepts Palestinian statehood, Saudi Arabia’s normalization of relations with Israel, which has historically been viewed as the primary drive to end the war and involve Israel in the regional neighborhood, is officially off the table. Saudi Arabia is using the international summit to reaffirm Arab support for a two-state solution and to establish itself as a prominent regional voice. The Saudi-French plan may mark a change toward stronger international acknowledgment of Palestinian rights and a renewed drive for a negotiated settlement as the world grows increasingly frustrated with the current situation.
The Path Forward: What Might Finally End the Gaza War Fallout
Israel is at a turning point in its history, facing growing isolation and internal unrest in addition to growing isolation on the international scene. Even so, censure by itself won’t change the Netanyahu government’s course. To finally compel a change from unending war to a path of accountability, justice, and peace, concerted, planned external and internal effort needs to be made.