New Delhi: The Hamas offensive against Israel has created a deep divide among global forces, with some expressing solidarity with Tel Aviv and others pointing to Hamas’ role in perpetuating violence in the region. The responses from different countries are based on various geopolitical considerations, including strategic alliances, regional interests, shared goals, and historical fault lines. Here is how the world reacted to the Hamas attacks and Israel’s counterstrike, which have claimed hundreds of lives.
Responses from West Asia:
After nearly 5,000 rockets bombarded Israel, overwhelming its aerial defense system and causing extensive damage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is “at war” and vowed that the “enemy will pay an unprecedented price.” The Palestinian State, led by Fatah Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, released a statement in which it did not explicitly mention Hamas but warned against the consequences of hindering the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and establishing their own state.
The Egyptian foreign ministry appealed to both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to exercise restraint. Egypt has played a key role as a mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict and is a significant ally of the US in the region.
Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi expressed concern over the situation, highlighting Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian people in the West Bank. Jordan was one of the first countries in the region to sign a peace treaty with Israel.
The United Arab Emirates called for an immediate ceasefire and extended condolences to all the victims of the recent crisis. The UAE and Israel established official diplomatic ties through the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement in 2021.
Morocco, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the situation and condemned attacks against civilians.
The Arab League, consisting of 22 Arab countries, called for an immediate halt to operations in Gaza and criticized Israel’s policies as a time bomb.
Saudi Arabia’s position and its evolving ties with Israel are considered significant factors in the context of Hamas’ massive attack. The US has been urging Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, and the strike can be seen as a message to Riyadh amid its peace initiatives. Saudi Arabia called for an immediate halt to the escalation, the protection of civilians, and self-control. The country also attributed the attack to the continued occupation and deprivation of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
The Syrian foreign ministry supported the Hamas attacks, calling them an honorable achievement and expressing support for forces fighting against what they referred to as Zionist terrorism.
Tehran, known for its support of Hamas, had a similar response. A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader called the operation a proud achievement.
Qatar called for de-escalation and held Israel solely responsible for the ongoing escalation.
Responses from the West:
The US expressed solidarity with Israel, its longstanding ally. President Joe Biden expressed condolences for the deaths caused by the Hamas offensive and reiterated his administration’s rock-solid support for Israel.
The US has been instrumental in mediating steps towards normalizing relations between Israel and other countries in the region. The Abraham Accords agreements were signed between Israel, the UAE, Sudan, Morocco, and Bahrain in 2020 with US support.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the Hamas attack as cowardly and depraved and expressed full solidarity with Netanyahu.
The European Union condemned the Hamas attack, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing it as terrorism in its most despicable form.
France also joined other Western countries in condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with Israel.
Responses from India, China, and Pakistan:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the terrorist attacks in Israel and expressed solidarity with the country. India’s relations with Israel have evolved over time, and the two countries have strengthened their ties in recent years.
China expressed deep concern over the escalation of tension and violence and stated that the long-term stagnation of the peace process is unsustainable. China has opposed Israel’s construction activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and has acknowledged Hamas’ win in the 2006 polls in Gaza.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was not surprised by the attacks, citing Israel’s denial of Palestinians’ right to self-determination and statehood. Pakistan’s foreign ministry called on the international community to work towards cessation of hostilities.
These responses from various countries reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with each country considering its own interests and historical relationships in forming its position.