Vantage | How Israel-Gaza war is polarising the world

The world is closely watching the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The responses from various nations have highlighted the complexity of the situation. As events unfold, it becomes evident that the international community is divided into distinct camps, each with its own perspective on the conflict.

Hamas is a terrorist organisation. It planned and executed the brutal attack on 7 October and then retreated into Gaza to use ordinary Palestinians as human shields. Gazans often find themselves in a challenging situation due to the actions of Hamas. This has led to protests by many Palestinian supporters. However, when considering the role of governments in this context it becomes a more complex issue. Understanding the divisions The conflict can be understood in three broad categories. Firstly, there is the Western camp, comprising nations such as America and Europe, which firmly support Israel’s right to defend itself. They are notably hesitant to criticise Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aligning themselves closely with Israel’s stance. In contrast, there is the camp of neutral nations, including India, which condemns the Hamas attack but also advocates for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution. These countries aim to strike a balance between acknowledging the security concerns of Israel and the aspirations of Palestinians for statehood. Lastly, there are the countries that support Hamas, the militant organisation governing the Gaza Strip. This camp includes nations in West Asia, with Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group being among the most vocal supporters. They consider themselves part of what they term the “Axis of Resistance” and may potentially become directly involved in the conflict. The role of Qatar One nation worth noting is Qatar, home to top Hamas leaders. In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, Qatar released a statement, placing the blame squarely on Israel and framing it as retaliation for Israeli violations of Palestinian rights. This response is hardly surprising given Qatar’s close relationship with Hamas. The unwavering supporters On the other side of the spectrum are countries like Turkey, Egypt, Algeria and numerous Muslim-majority nations. They have refused to condemn Hamas and instead concentrate on highlighting the plight of Palestinians in Gaza offering little sympathy for the Israelis who have lost their lives. This division extends far beyond West Asia with nations in Southeast Asia including Malaysia also joining the chorus. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took a firm stance rejecting Western pressure to condemn Hamas. He emphasised Malaysia’s ongoing relationship with Hamas asserting that they constitute a legitimate government. However, Anwar’s statement does not address the fact that the last Palestinian elections won by Hamas were held in 2006 and Hamas has not allowed Gazans to vote since. There appears to be a notable disconnect between political realities and the narrative expressed by some nations. The South African perspective South Africa, historically a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, expressed condolences for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, the focus of their criticism is directed primarily towards Israel, not Hamas. Colombia’s bold statements Colombian President Gustavo Petro entered into a war of words with Israel. His strong statements began in response to the Hamas attack when he compared Israeli leadership to neo-Nazis and criticised the Israeli defence minister’s comments about the people of Gaza. The confrontation escalated as Petro continued to make controversial remarks. When Israel’s defence minister likened Gazans to animals, Petro equated this to Nazi hate speech and expressed concern that it could lead to another Holocaust. Israel, in response, summoned Colombia’s Ambassador and halted security exports to the country. An escalating dispute In an unexpected turn of events, Petro threatened to suspend relations with Israel. This diplomatic dispute appears far from resolved indicating that it may escalate further. As this dispute unfolds, it underscores the complexity of the global response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The divide in perspectives reflects a broader issue – the polarisation of the world over the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid and it is crucial to monitor how these positions continue to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy. This ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and instability facing the world as it grapples with the complexities of the Israel-Hamas issue. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.