The Israel-Hamas conflict is a longstanding and deeply rooted geopolitical issue that centers on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. The roots of the conflict trace back to the mid-20th century when Israel was established, leading to displacement and unrest among Palestinian communities.As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, criticism of Israel’s actions is mounting from various countries around the world. The international community has voiced deep concerns over the violence, with some nations taking more direct stances than others.
ALGERIA
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law and called for immediate international intervention to protect Palestinian rights.
AFRICAN UNION
In a statement, African Union (AU) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed he failure of long-term international efforts to solve the crisis, saying “The Chairperson wishes to recall the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension.”The AU appealed to both parties to end military hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
BEZILE
Belize has urged everyone to calm down, supported the idea of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and insisted on allowing Palestinians who were forced to leave to come back.
BRAZIL
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira said on Friday that his country has “received with dismay the news that Israeli forces called for all civilians — more than one million — living in northern Gaza to leave within 24 hours”.Veira, who was speaking in New York after a United Nations Security Council meeting, referred to the UN’s assessment that such a large-scale move of people could lead to “unprecedented levels of misery” for civilians while calling for an end to violence on both sides
COLOMBIA
Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Israel and Palestine to pursue a two-state solution through negotiations, drawing historical parallels to past atrocities.In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Gaza today appears as destroyed or more so than the Warsaw ghetto after it was destroyed by Nazi barbarity in response to the Jewish and socialist insurrection in that concentration camp.”
INDONESIA
Indonesia called for an immediate end to violence, highlighting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as the root cause.
IRAQ
The Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah said the Hamas attacks would “open the way for new strategic deterrence against the Zionist-American axis.Iraq thinks attacks as the continuation of the oppression of Palestinians under Israel’s occupation.
IRAN
Iran described Palestinian resistance as a natural reaction to Israel’s provocations.
IRELAND
President Michael D Higgins has called for a cessation of violence in Israel and Gaza for “the protection of the lives of innocent civilians”.He said his thoughts are particularly with the family of 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti, who is unaccounted for since the attack against Israel.
KUWAIT
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the escalation in Gaza, calling on the international community to stop the violence, protect the Palestinian people, and end Israel’s provocations. It has warned that the continuation of violence without deterrence would undermine peace efforts and the prospects of a two-state solution.
MOROCCO
In an Arab League session, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, emphasised Morocco’s “full and unwavering support” for Palestine.Also,Morocco voiced deep concern over the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to calm.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia called for an end to violence in Gaza, citing the prolonged occupation and suffering of the Palestinian people as the root cause.
MALDIVES
The Maldivian government expressed concern about escalating violence in Gaza and reiterated solidarity with the Palestinian people.Government has said that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
NORWAY
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt has criticised the total blockade of Gazaas unacceptable and emphasised that Israel’s right to self-defence must adhere to international law.“The establishment of a full blockade, including on access to electricity, water, food, and other goods that are indispensable for the survival of the civilian population in Gaza, is unacceptable,” Huitfeldt said in a statement.“The scale of destruction in Gaza is enormous. A large number of civilians have been killed. Given a full blockade by Israel, closed border crossings, and continued Israeli attacks, I fear that the civilian population in Gaza will face even greater hardship in the days to come,” she added.
OMAN
Oman calls on Palestine, Israel to exercise restraint.Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the ongoing escalation between Palestinians and Israelis, emphasising the need for both parties to exercise restraint, and calling for international intervention to stop the escalation.
QATAR
Qatar has called for all parties to de-escalate and exercise restraint amid the escalating situation in Gaza, holding Israel responsible for the escalation due to its violations of Palestinian rights, particularly incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to compel Israel to respect international law and the historical rights of the Palestinian people and prevent further violence against Palestinian civilians. Qatar has reiterated its firm position in support of the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
RUSSIA
President Vladimir Putin has emphasised the “creation of an independent Palestine state with East Jerusalem as its capital” to resolve the issue.Moscow has also refused to list Hamas as a “terrorist” organisation following similar steps taken by France and the European Union earlier this week.Russia called for an immediate ceasefire, renouncing violence and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
SYRIA
Syria has praised the Palestinian resistance factions behind last the October 7 attack, while criticising Israel’s occupation and siege.
SOUTH AFRICA
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged solidarity with the people of Palestine, describing Israel as an oppressive regime.“All of us standing here pledge our solidarity with the people of Palestine,” he said.He described Israel as an “oppressive regime” and pointed to what many human rights groups have described as Israel’s apartheid-like policies towards Palestinians.
VENEZUELA
The Government of Venezuela voiced its anxiety concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip and called for the end of violence throughout Palestinian territory through direct dialogue and compliance with UN Security Council resolution 2334. Venezuela urged the United Nations to fulfil its role as a guarantor of international peace and legality.
