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Israel-Gaza Conflict: International Reactions Three Months On

Teguan Harris
Vice President Joe Biden visit to Israel March 2016

Vice President Joe Biden visit to Israel March 2016 Departure

Teguan Harris

Three months on from the 7th October attacks, how have international administrations responded to the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict?

Hamas’ 7th October attacks killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. More than 100 people are still being held hostage.

Since 7th October, Israeli forces have killed 22,722 Palestinians, including journalists Hamza al-Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya. Around two million people in Gaza, or more than 85 per cent of the population, have fled their homes.

Diplomatic clashes have deepened in the wake of 7th October. Many Western diplomats and leaders have called for a ceasefire or a humanitarian pause. Others have offered their support to Israel, while some have condemned Hamas for its violence and called for the release of hostages.

UN Security Council and UN Security General

Following the initial attack on Gaza, Antonio Guterres, the UN Security General, first called for an immediate ceasefire on 24th October 2023. He reiterated this call for a ceasefire in December.

On 9th October, the Israeli government announced a complete siege of Gaza and called for civilians to evacuate northern Gaza. Guterres responded with calls for Israel to rescind this evacuation order and for Hamas to release the hostages.

He also called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.

On November 15th, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling on Hamas to release the hostages and urgently extend humanitarian corridors throughout Gaza.

The UN passed another resolution on December 22nd demanding an increase in aid, which the US and Russia also abstained from.

The G7

The G7 (the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the EU) support humanitarian pauses and corridors to allow for aid delivery and the unconditional release of hostages. They have also condemned the rise of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The US and EU have also announced additional humanitarian aid to Gaza.

UK Government

Following the 7th October attacks on Gaza, the UK deployed additional military assets to promote de-escalation and conduct surveillance activities. The UK government also provided medical supplies to Israel and pledged £87 million in aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. No aid has been provided to Hamas. 

Following the attacks, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Hamas’ violence and defended Israel’s right to defend itself in a statement:

“The attacks in Israel [last weekend] shocked the world,” he stated in Parliament. “Over 1,400 people murdered one by one; over 3,500 wounded; over 200 taken hostage; the elderly, men, women, children, and babes in arms murdered, mutilated, and burned alive. We should call it by its name: it was a pogrom.

“We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and I say to them, ‘We stand with you. We stand with Israel.'”

On 15th November, the UK Government voted to reject the SNP’s King Speech amendment calling for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, with the vote being 293 to 125.

On 12th December, the UK abstained from the resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire at the UN General Assembly.

The UK has supported temporary “humanitarian pauses” for aid delivery and the release of hostages. The UK government has not shown support for an immediate ceasefire.

United States and Biden Administration

Biden has offered overwhelming support to Israel in the form of military aid and diplomatic support at the United Nations. The White House also continues to express concerns over civilian casualties and aid reaching Gaza.

The US provided Israel with annual military support worth $3.8 billion. On November 3rd, the US House of Representatives passed a Republican plan providing $14.5 billion in military aid.

Following his visit to Tel Aviv, Biden made a statement: “I know the recent terrorist assault on the people of this nation has left a deep, deep wound. More than 1,300 innocent Israelis were killed, including at least 31 American citizens, by the terrorist group Hamas.”

The US voted against an immediate ceasefire on December 12th at the UN General Assembly.

US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that although the United States agreed with some aspects of the latest resolution, it failed to condemn Hamas and the attacks. “Why is that so hard?” she said.

She added that civilians must be protected as mandated under international law.

Other Countries

Analysis conducted by Al Jazeera of speeches from world leaders at the UN found that Belgium, China, Guyana, Turkey, and Venezuela are among the 55 per cent that called for a ceasefire.

Austria, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay voted against the resolution on 12th December. Many others abstained, including Germany and the UK, and the majority voted for the resolution.

Following the 7th October attacks, Belize, Bolivia, and South Africa have cut ties with Israel and suspended their relations. Bahrain, Chad, Chile, Columbia, Honduras, Jordan, and Turkey all withdrew ambassadors.

Some cities, including Barcelona, have also since suspended ties with Israel.

International Court of Justice

On 29th December, South Africa filed a case against Israel, accusing them of “genocidal acts”. Their case argues that Israel violates the 1948 Genocide Convention. South Africa has demanded that the ICJ prevent Israel from committing further crimes and halt its military activity.

The ICJ held its first hearing on 11th January, and South Africa presented its findings in court.

After South Africa’s testimony, Israel denied the claims, stating that South Africa had “distorted the truth.” Israeli lawyer Tal Becker told the ICJ that South Africa made a “sweeping counter-factual description” of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

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Featured image courtesy of via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.

Writer and journalist. University graduate in English Literature. Book reader, word lover and Notion enthusiast.

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