Reactions to the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict

Reactions to the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict came from many countries and international organizations around the world.

The United States and Canada were supportive of Israel^[1] and critical of Hamas. The BRICS countries called for restraint on both sides and a return to peace talks based on the Arab Peace Initiative. The European Union condemned the violations of the laws of war by both sides, while stressing the "unsustainable nature of the status quo", and calling for a settlement based on the two-state solution. The Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab League, and most Latin American countries were critical of Israel, with some countries in the latter group withdrawing their ambassadors from Israel in protest. South Africa called for restraint by both sides and an end to "collective punishment of Palestinians".

There were many large pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrations throughout the world. There were demonstrations within Israel and the Palestinian territories. According to OCHA, 23 Palestinians were killed and 2,218 were wounded by the IDF, 38% of the latter by live fire.^[2][3][4]

There were concerns about rising anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic violence concurrent to, and in many cases, directly related to the conflict.^[5] The UN Secretary-General and many European leaders condemned acts of anti-Semitism.

The United Nations Human Rights Council announced a panel headed by William Schabas to investigate accusations of war crimes by both sides. Major human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned human rights violations by both sides and called for an arms embargo on the region.

Commercial airlines in several countries banned flights to Israel because of safety concerns. Most if not all of the restrictions were later lifted.

After the 26 August ceasefire, the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research conducted the poll in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 79% of respondents said that Hamas had won the war and 61% said that they would pick Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as the Palestinian president, up from 41% before the war.^[6]

Official reactions

Supranational bodies

• ALBA – In a statement issued by the body, it condemned Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people and added that Israel's the offensive violates even the most minimum standards of international humanitarian law by attacking civilians indiscriminately. It also offered "its unconditional solidarity, support and sympathy to the people of Palestine against the new wave of violence."^[7]
•  Arab League – AL's representatives condemned the Israeli air raids on Gaza and asked the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the current situation.^[8] Secretary General Nabil Elaraby condemned the Israeli attacks in Shejaia. In a statement, the organisation said: "El-Araby...considered Israel's terrible shelling and ground attack operations in the neighborhood of Shejaia as a war crime against Palestinian civilians and a dangerous escalation."^[9]
• BRICS- A declaration at 6th BRICS summit in Brazil called upon Israel and Palestine to end the conflict and resume negotiations leading to a peaceful two-State solution. It also called upon the UN Security Council to fully exercise its functions under the UN Charter with regard to ongoing conflict.^[10]
• Gulf Cooperation Council – Secretary-General Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani condemned and denounced the Israeli airstrikes for its repressive and vengeful policies which "represent a blatant violation of the Palestinians' inalienable rights and a flagrant affront to the [sic] international laws." He also described the assault as "reflecting Israel's rejection of the peace process" and called upon the international community and the UN Security Council to "assume their responsibilities and act quickly to protect the Palestinian people and put an end to the brutal Israeli shelling of Gaza Strip."^[11]
•  European Union – "The EU strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups... All terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm. The EU condemns calls on the civilian population of Gaza to provide themselves as human shields, and the loss of hundreds of civilian lives, among them many women and children...While recognizing Israel's legitimate right to defend itself against any attacks, the EU underlines that the Israeli military operation must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law...“is particularly appalled by the human cost” of the operation in Shejaia and was “deeply concerned at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation...This tragic escalation of hostilities confirms again the unsustainable nature of the status quo with regard to the situation in the Gaza Strip."^[12][13]
• Non-Aligned Movement – NAM and President of Iran Hassan Rouhani condemned the air strikes by the Israel on the Gaza Strip and called on international bodies to force Israel to stop its raids on civilians. "[The] siege of Gaza Strip must be fully and immediately lifted and humanitarian aids must be forwarded to the Palestinians in need of them there."^[14]
•  UN – The Security Council called for de-escalation, restoration of the 2012 ceasefire, respect for international law, and resumption of direct negotiations between both parties in the conflict.^[15] High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated that reports of attacks on homes raise doubts about whether Israeli attacks are legal under international law. She also called for an investigation into the Israeli air strikes on Gaza.^[16]
• Visegrád Group- On 9 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement reading: "The countries of the Visegrad Group are deeply concerned about the military escalation in Israel and in the Gaza Strip. We strongly condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel by militant groups from the Gaza Strip. At the same time we are concerned about the growing civilian losses among the Palestinians caused by Israel’s military operation ‘Protective Edge’. The Visegrad countries call on both sides to end hostilities and to achieve [an] immediate ceasefire."^[17]

States

Involved parties

•  Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the criticism of international and local human rights groups and promised to continue the attacks. He declared: "No international pressure will prevent Israel from continuing its operation in Gaza … The leaders of Hamas are hiding behind the citizens of Gaza, and they are responsible for all casualties."^[18]
  • The IDF spokesman's office tweeted when the operation began that the "IDF has commenced Operation Protective Edge in Gaza against Hamas, in order to stop the terror Israel's citizens face on a daily basis."^[19][20]
•  Palestine – Palestinian government spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the operation was "a declaration of war on Palestinians" and, protesting what he described as a massacre of innocents, added that "Palestinians have the right to defend themselves by all legitimate means."^[21]
  • Khalil al-Haya, Palestinian negotiator said "It was a war of necessity not a war of choice. We had no choice but to defend ourselves,”. He further said "We are united and are unified in blood and dead bodies. We are one front, one side, one body ... We are all engaged in one battle defending our people. The war is the beginning of liberation.^[22]

International

•  Afghanistan – On 16 July, President Hamid Karzai held a special cabinet meeting in which he condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the killings of innocent civilians while pledging $500,000 USD in aid to Gaza.^[23]
•  Algeria – On 16 July, Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra urged the international community to act to get Israel to immediately cease its attacks against Palestine and respect the truce from November 2012. "While condemning in the strongest terms the barbaric attacks against the defenceless Palestinian people, we believe that these attacks were encouraged by the complacent silence of the international community to Israeli expansionist policies and their negative impact on peace and security in the region," Lamamra said. He also underlined the need for urgent action within the United Nations to reach a formula that compels Israel to stop its aggressions on Gaza.^[24]
•  Argentina – On 20 July, the Foreign Ministry condemned the violence which hit Israel and Gaza, while also speaking out against the acts committed by both sides in the conflict. "Once more, and for the third time in less than six years, civilian populations have been trapped in the middle of armed actions from Hamas and the disproportionate, excessive use of military force by Israel. Argentina sends a profound, pained tribute to all of the children that have been killed in the last few weeks. We vigorously condemn Israel, defying calls from the Security Council, the Secretary General and many other voices from the international community, for having decided to escalate the crisis launching a ground offensive. This decision will only create further instability in the region, more victims and more suffering. At the same time, we condemn the continued and indiscriminate launch of rockets from Gaza to Israeli cities."^[25] Soon afterwards, Argentina's representative at the U.N. Security Council, Maria Cristina Perceval, reiterated the position, condemning Israel's "indiscriminate abuse of militarism" and "disproportionate use of force." ^[26]
•  Australia – In a media release, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop condemned Hamas by saying "The actions of militants in Gaza, who are firing rockets indiscriminately into Israel, are inexcusable and must be condemned." The media release called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid a further escalation of violence.^[27]
•  Austria – On 11 July, in a press release, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz called for an immediate stop to the violence in the Middle East. “The spiral of escalation that we have seen over the last few days is extremely threatening. Putting an immediate end to the violence is now absolutely paramount.” In this context, Kurz also referred to the meaning of the holy month of Ramadan, also regarded as the month of peace by Muslims.“My sympathy lies with the victims of this conflict; in particular the civilians. Everything possible has to be done to prevent more civilian victims. Even though Israel has a legitimate security interest, this must be exercised with a sense of proportion and in compliance with international humanitarian law. This also means that the Israeli missile offensive must be stopped.” Immediate measures must be taken to prevent the violence from spiralling out of control even further, and efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in the region must be resumed. “Peace is possible”, Kurz concluded.^[28] Later on 16 July, in another press release, Kurz said, “The death toll is frighteningly high and the spiral of escalation is gaining momentum all the time”,. Kurz emphasised his support of the efforts at mediation on the part of Egypt and stressed that “an immediate ceasefire” is now required. “Neither side can refuse a ceasefire for the sake of political or tactical deliberations”, said the Minister, who also expressed his sympathy for the victims of the conflict, in particular the civilian casualties. Efforts to bring about a peaceful solution must be resumed without delay, Kurz concluded.^[29]
•  Bangladesh – On 12 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said Bangladesh strongly condemned the "Israeli aggression" and called for an immediate cessation of atrocities on the civilians in Gaza. The statement also said that they were shocked at the recent Israeli violence perpetrated in Gaza.^[30]
•  Bahrain – On 10 July, The Kingdom of Bahrain condemned the latest Israeli escalation on Gaza Strip and repeated its rejection of violence and the need to stop all military operations. The Kingdom also advised the international community to compel Israel to comply with international law and end its violations and brutalities. They also stressed their full support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.^[31]
•  Belgium – On 15 July, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is monitoring developments in the Middle East very closely. He deeply regrets the civilian casualties that have occurred over the past few days as a result of the rocket attacks on Israel and the subsequent response by the Israeli government. The minister recognises the right of Israel to protect its population against acts of terrorism. Nevertheless, he would like to see operations that are proportionate and which are carried out with the utmost caution in order to spare civilian lives.^[32] On 22 July, The Belgian prime minister has condemned Israel's "disproportionate" use of force in Gaza and the attack it carried out in the neighbourhood of Shujaya.An explosion in violence in the Middle East, tragic loss of civilian lives and the worsening humanitarian conditions have led to a "descent into terror," Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said in a written statement."Although I accept Israel's legitimate security measures, I also condemn the completely disproportionate use of force by the Israeli military, including the attack on the neighborhood of Shujaya," Di Rupo said.^[33]
•  Bolivia – On 10 July, Bolivia condemned the brutal Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip and called on Tel Aviv to cease hostilities. The Foreign Ministry also called on the international community to intervene to stop "the genocide" and stressed that "should respect and comply with international agreements and treaties."^[34] On 31 July Bolivian President Evo Morales has declared Israel as "terrorist state".^[35]
•  Bosnia and Herzegovina – Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik expressed his support for Israel and the Jewish people. He stated that the Republika Srpska was closely following events in the Gaza Strip, that it supported Israel's right to protect its citizens and property and defend itself from "terrorist threats and the actions of Islamist militant groups".^[36] Bakir Izetbegović, the Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, called for an end to Israeli–Palestinian conflict and said that he wished for "the peaceful co-existence of all inhabitants of Gaza and other places". He stated that Gaza "was for many years a target of Israeli attack" and warned that the world was "becoming used to violence perpetrated by Israel".^[37]
•  Brazil – On 17 July, the Federal government of Brazil released a statement vehemently condemning the Israeli bombing of Gaza as constituting a disproportionate use of force and resulting in the deaths of unarmed and innocent civilians. It recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv in protest. Brazil's Special Advisor for International Relations was quoted saying "For the love of God, what we have here is genocide, a massacre, to the point where top UN officials are starting to talk about war crimes".^[38] Brazil warned that terrestrial operations against Gaza would have grave consequences for the stability of the region and would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Brazil called on Israel to respect its humanitarian obligations and end the blockade over Gaza.^[39]
•  Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper commented on the issue showing support for Israel and condemning Hamas. Harper went on to say that Hamas uses human shields by saying that "It is evident that Hamas is deliberately using human shields to further terror in the region."^[40] Foreign Minister John Baird also condemned the rocket attacks against Israel by Hamas. Baird added that the attacks "prove that Hamas continues to target innocent civilians," and that "Canada believes that Israel has every right to defend itself from such belligerent acts of terrorism."^[41]
•  Chile – The Foreign Ministry complained that Israeli bombing has caused a number of fatalities, among which includes civilians, women and children. "The condemned kidnappings and deaths of three young Israeli and Palestinian youth can not be an excuse to launch actions nor to attack densely populated by civilians," said the Chilean Government. Chile called on all actors involved in the conflict to "establish a truce and respect international humanitarian law" and endorsed the words of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon, who urged finding a solution to this serious crisis.^[42] On 29 July, the Chilean government recalled its ambassador and criticized Israeli operations on Gaza, which were considered a violation of "the principle of proportionality in the use of force, an essential requirement to justify self-defense".^[43]
•  China – Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei on 9 July 2014 in response to the violence said: "We believe that to resort to force and to counter violence with violence will not help resolve problems other than pile up more hatred. We urge relevant parties to bear in mind the broader picture of peace and the lives of the people, immediately realize a ceasefire, stick to the strategic choice of peace talks and strive for an early resumption of talks."^[44]
•  Colombia – On 11 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the acts of violence that have occurred against the State of Israel, affecting the integrity of its civil population, while also expressing condolences to the families of the victims. Colombia also called to an end the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine and to start a dialogue to avoid escalations of the conflict that "has caused a lot of suffering to both sides of the civil population."^[45] On 22 July, the Colombian government, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued another statement condemning the attacks by both sides of the conflict and considered that "the measures taken by Operation Protective Edge ,likewise the launch of rockets by the Hamas, worsen the conflict and efforts of making peace."^[46] On 5 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks of Israel against an United Nations protected school in the Rafah locality. In the same press release, the Colombian Government restated the need for Israel to have secure borders but considered that "this does not justify the attacks on places protected by the International humanitarian law".^[47] On 7 August, the Colombian Government donated $300,000.00USD to help with the situation and reconstruction of Gaza claiming that it has "responded to the call of the United Nations and we (Colombia) will keep doing so."^[48]
•  Costa Rica – On 11 July, Costa Rica deplored the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, and was particularly concerned about the impact of innocent civilians and the risk of further escalation. The Government of Costa Rica condemns the rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and likewise, the military operations of the Defence Forces towards reaching Gaza Strip, causing deaths and damage civilians.^[49]
•  Cuba – The Foreign Ministry condemned "Israel's attack against the population of the Gaza Strip" and accused Israel of using its military and technological superiority to execute a policy of collective punishment with out-of-proportion use of force, which causes the death of innocent civilians and huge material damage.^[50]
•  Cyprus – On 14 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that expressed its concern for the turn of violence in the Middle East area. "The indiscriminate and in the blind firing of rockets from Gaza into the [sic] Israeli territory and in response the Israeli Air Force attacks that result in collateral civilian casualties, including children, must stop. The sides are called upon to show restraint. Friendly neighbouring countries are called upon to mediate towards the achievement of a ceasefire agreement and a truce."^[51]
•  Czech Republic – On 15 July, Through a press release, MFA of Czech Republic released a statement as follows: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic welcomed the truce initiative that aimed to restore calm in Gaza and appreciates the constructive role played by Egypt.The Czech Republic regrets the failure of this initiative in spite of its previous acceptance by Israel.We urge Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza to immediately stop attacking Israeli territory in order to allow the implementation of the cease fire.The Czech Republic recognizes that the people of Israel as well as the people of Gaza have the right to live in peace and security. However, we are extremely concerned about the disastrous impact of the current situation on civilians, who are endangered the most by the conflict.While recognizing the right of Israel to take appropriate measure to protect its population, we strongly regret the Palestinian civilian casualties, in particular children, caused by the recent crisis.^[52]
•  Djibouti – On 10 July, Djibouti "firmly condemned the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip." Djibouti held Israel responsible for a "dangerous escalation of violence" and called on the international community to put an immediate end to Israel's "blind and intolerable repression."^[53]
•  Ecuador – On 12 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador issued a statement which condemned Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, qualifies as disproportionate military operations and demanded the withdrawal of such attacks against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. "The Government of Ecuador strongly condemns the disproportionate military operations by the Israeli army against the civilian population of the Gaza Strip, which have left more than a hundred casualties," the official statement said.^[54]
•  Egypt – The Foreign Ministry published through its Facebook page a statement where it expressed its "deep concern" about the latest situation in the Gaza Strip and called for self-restraint as well as stopping the mutual violence.^[55] A Hamas official stated that Egypt is attempting to mediate a truce between both sides and that Egyptian officials have contacted Hamas for that purpose.^[56] Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry made a remarks following a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart where he said it is important to address the crisis in a manner that protects the Palestinians and their interests.^[57]

On 11 July, the Foreign Ministry then criticised the IDF operation in Gaza as "oppressive policies of mass punishment. Egypt rejects the irresponsible Israeli escalation in the occupied Palestinian territory, which comes in the form of excessive and unnecessary use of military force leading to the death of innocent civilians." It also demanded Israel adopt self-restraint and to keep in mind that being an "occupation force", it has a legal and moral duty to protect civilian lives.^[58] The Egyptian government urged world powers to intervene and stop the crisis when it stated that its ceasefire efforts have been met with "obstinacy and stubbornness".^[59] The same day, Egypt informed authorities in Gaza that it closed the Rafah Border Crossing^[60] after re-opening it the previous day to receive injured Palestinians for medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals.^[61] This comes after Egyptian forces seized 20 Grad rockets being smuggled from Gaza to Sinai after clashing with militants in Rafah, Egypt.^[62] However, shortly after the closure, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered the Egyptian military to transport 500 tons of aid, which comprises food and medical supplies, to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. A statement was also released by the military saying that Egypt is pursuing its efforts to "stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip" under the president's supervision.^[63][64]

•  El Salvador – On 14 July, El Salvador sentenced "strongly" and called for the "immediate cessation" of the "Armed Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip," which in seven days have caused more than 180 deaths. In the Salvadoran government statement said that these actions of the Israeli Army "caused the loss of lives, hundreds of injuries and the flight of thousands of Palestinians from their homes, as well as serious damage." The note published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, urged "the immediate cessation of armed attacks at the same time asked the United Nations and the actors that have accompanied the parties in finding solutions by means peaceful to intensify their diplomatic actions in the short term."^[65]
•  Estonia – On 10 July, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed concern about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestine and added that "cities and towns shootings [sic] are completely unacceptable. The strained Israeli-Palestinian situation is very worrying and, unfortunately, in recent days the situation has not improved, but rather escalated." He added that both parties need to find a peaceful solution to the tensions. "We call on the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to take all necessary measures to prevent a further escalation of the tense situation."^[66]
•  France – President Francois Hollande issued a statement that read it "expressed France's solidarity [with Israel] in the face of rocket fire from Gaza" and told Netanyahu "that France strongly condemns these aggressions [by Hamas]." Hollande also said that it was up to Israel "to take all measures to protect its population in the face of threats" but reminded the Israeli premier "of the need to prevent an escalation of violence."^[67] According to an unnamed senior French diplomat speaking to L'Humanité, France's position was virtually dictated to Hollande by Netanyahu and the Israeli cabinet during a tense teleconference.^[68] On 18 July, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius stated that "France is extremely concerned by the Israeli decision to launch a ground offensive in Gaza."^[69] On 22 July, Fabius condemned the Gaza "massacres," stating that "nothing justifies continued attacks and massacres which do nothing but only claim more victims and stoke tensions, hatred."^[70]
•  Gambia – On 16 July, Gambia has been following with great concern the recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Movement Hamas, which had escalated into a major armed confrontation resulting in the deaths and destruction of property thereby escalating the suffering of the civilian population, particularly women and children on both sides. We welcome the truce brokered by Egypt yesterday and would like to call on the parties to fully adhere to the terms of the truce so that the humanitarian crisis unleashed by the conflict could also come to an end in order to avoid further erosion of confidence in the peace process. As a neutral party, The Gambia stands ready to mediate in consolidating the terms of the ceasefire in any future negotiation between the parties. As a peace loving nation, we pray for peace to region in that part of the world so that children could grow up to live their childhood dreams.^[71] On 29 July, President Yahya Jammeh has strongly condemned the "extraordinary brutality" being shown by the Israelis in Gaza, and pointed out that even though "nobody is condemning them, Allah would condemn them". Speaking, during the traditional meeting with Muslim elders after the Eid al Fitr prayer at State House in Banjul, the Gambian leader spoke of "the bad things they are doing in Palestine, in the last ten days of Ramadan".He also lamented the fact that "nobody is saying a word. The white people are engaged in hypocrisy; their media is putting out lies". "Israel what they are doing in Gaza is abominable; is unacceptable, and I even wonder how Hitler would see it; he would say, 'oh, I think this people are worst than me'", Jammeh told his audience.Citing the fact that the Israelis are even bombing hospitals, Jammeh further declared: "This is excessive brutality that we condemn in the strongest terms possible". He also called attention to "the satanic Western media", which has been justifying Israel's actions "because [they say] Hamas were firing rockets".^[72]
•  Georgia – On 10 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs blamed the Islamist movement Hamas for causing the intense armed clashes that have shaken the Gaza Strip in recent days, and expressed concern over the plight of civilians there. It also expressed its concern over the escalation of tensions in the Gaza Strip and deteriorating humanitarian situation, which has been triggered by rocket attacks launched by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians," the ministry said in a statement.^[73]
•  Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel telephoned Benjamin Netanyahu on 9 July to condemn "without reservation rocket fire on Israel"^[74]
•  Greece – On 13 July, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos issued a statement regarding the then latest developments: "We again express our strong concern at the recent developments and the escalation of the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip. At this time, the absolute priority is the implementation of the ceasefire and a return to the truce of 2012, with the aim of averting a new humanitarian tragedy in the region. Together with the other member states of the European Union, as well as within the framework of the UN, Greece will work in that direction."^[75]
•  Guatemala – On 14 July, In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Guatemala expressed its concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, which has led to a "spiral of violence between Palestinians and Israelis." The country calls for prudence and responsibility for all international parties and partners so that I ceased firing rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory, and at the same time cease air and naval attacks Defense Forces Israel against civilians in Gaza."The return of stability is essential to return to the path of negotiations nevertheless, could still lead to a lasting peace based on the two-state solution, living behind secure borders condition," the document says.^[76]
•  Guyana – On 11 July, a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, said it has followed closely the tragic events unfolding in Gaza and is of the view that the continued indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas will not resolve the long standing and complex issues at stake between Israel and the State of Palestine. "Peace becomes harder to achieve with each military confrontation, each loss of life, and the creation of further mayhem on the ground," the government said; adding that "as a member of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and as the first CARICOM country to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state based on its 1967 borders, Guyana supports the Palestinians' aspiration to the full realization of their inalienable rights." The administration also reiterated it call to the international community to intensify efforts to urgently push the peace process forward and for steps to be taken for a two-State solution in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions.^[77]
•  Holy See – Pope Francis called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. He insisted that the joint prayer held on 8 June, with Mahmoud Abbas and Shimon Peres was not in vain.^[78][79]
•  Honduras – On 14 July, in a press release, The Government of the Republic of Honduras, through the Secretariat of State in the Offices of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and expresses regret strongest condemnation of the violence that is stirring in the Gaza Gaza and southern Israel, which also generates serious political and economic consequences not only to the region but to the international community. The Republic of Honduras as a pacifist state, subscriber Nations Charter United and respectful of international law, calls on the parties involved to cease hostile actions in the region and a prompt return to dialogue in order to contribute to world peace and security, as we invoke the Pope Francisco in Vatican Gardens on 8 June 2014. Finally, it adds to the solidarity and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims.^[80]
•  Hungary – On 15 July, after meeting director-general and state secretary of the Israeli Foreign Ministry – Nissim Ben-Shitrit, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Tibor Navracsics, expressed support for the international mediatory efforts to halt the armed conflict as soon as possible and defend the civilian population exposed to attacks on both sides.^[81]
  • On 2 August, the mayor of Érpatak, Mihaly Zoltan Orosz, led a demonstration against what he called the "freemason media" conspiracy to silence the "ongoing genocide" committed by the Israeli military against Hamas in Gaza. After stomping on an Israeli flag (the Star of David in the flag had been replaced with a masonic compass), Orosz condemned both Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu to death for warcrimes, spreading false notions about being the "chosen people", being the Anti-Christ, and laying the groundwork for the Anti-Christ New World Order. He then carried out a symbolic hanging of both Israeli leaders.^[82]
•  Iceland – On 14 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson issued a statement calling for "the full force" of the UN Security Council to be used to stop the violence in Gaza. In a statement posted on the ministry's webpage, Gunnar Bragi expressed grave concerns over the current attacks on Gaza. "I condemn all use of violence in the area," the minister said. "This is an express demand to the Israeli government to stop its attacks on Gaza, which have led to great tragedy for civilians there. In the same spirit, all attacks on Israel need to cease forthwith." While saying that both sides bear responsibility for ending the violence, he also turned his attention to the United Nations.^[83]
•  India – The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement that read: "India is alarmed at the cross-border provocations resulting from rocket attacks against targets in parts of Israel." It also expressed concern on the violence and called both sides to exercise maximum restraint. Also, it urged both parties to resume direct talks, which could effectively address the issues.^[84] The Indian Government also refused to bring in any parliament resolution over the violence in Gaza.^[85]
•  Indonesia – Indonesia condemned the ongoing Israeli military aggression in Palestine's Gaza area, saying such an onslaught may ruin conditions towards creation of peace between Palestine and Israel. "Israel's move needs to be opposed. A military aggression that worsens the suffering that has been suffered by Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank until today due to siege which is actually a 'collective punishment' against Palestine people," Said Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa.^[86]
•  Iran – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his deep concern over the ongoing bloodshed in the Gaza Strip and criticised the "governments of the United States and the United Kingdom for their continued support for the Zionist regime's military operation against the innocent people." He added that the two states "do not care about the Tel Aviv regime’s killings in Gaza Strip and 'officially support these attacks.' The domineering world powers back evil as long as it is in their interest while they confront good savagely."^[87] The Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's operation as a "human catastrophe" and requested the West to prevent the operation on Gaza.^[88]
•  Ireland – Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore said that he was "gravely concerned at the escalating violence and civilian casualties" and that he "equally condemns" both rocket attacks from Gaza towards Israel and air strikes by the Israeli military. He went on to appeal "to all sides to exercise the utmost restraint, avoid all civilian casualties and negotiate the earliest possible ceasefire."^[89] Members of Dáil Eireann also stood in silence in the parliament chamber in solidarity with the people of Gaza at the request of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams.^[90] Dublin city council passed a motion calling for trade sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel.^[91]
•  Italy – On 8 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini expressed concern over the worsening situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip. "The repeated rocket strikes on Israel warrant the firmest possible condemnation; all attacks on civilian areas must stop immediately. It is of utmost importance to avoid triggering an irreversible spiral that could potentially further destabilise a region already battered by numerous conflicts." She expressed her "deep sorrow" for the deaths of so many civilians, including children in Gaza, and said that "it is now critical to protect civilians, restore calm and resume the peace process."^[92]
•  Jamaica – On 23 July, Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations "strongly condemned" Israel's targeting of civilian populations, expressing dismay at the "disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force against an unarmed civilian population that has limited options for shelter."^[93]
•  Japan – Japan released a press statement where it expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence between both sides. "Japan is deeply concerned about the situation in which the Israeli Air Force strike has caused civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and strongly condemns rocket attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip against Israel." It urged both sides "to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further civilian casualties. Japan is convinced that the issues of Middle East peace can never be solved through violence but only through negotiations and efforts to build mutual trust among parties to the conflict. Japan calls for all the parties concerned to make the utmost efforts to that end."^[94]
•  Jordan – Jordanian spokesperson described the Israeli military operation in Gaza as "barbaric" and urged Israel to stop its aggression.^[95]
•  Kazakhstan – On 25 July, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Thursday, expressing its deep concern over the exacerbation of crisis in Gaza Strip, which entailed the deaths of innocent civilians."Further escalation of violence will result in a destabilization of the situation in the Middle East, and also will blow up efforts of the conflicting parties and the whole international community which are focused on long-term peace making and regional stability," said the statement. "We call on Israelis and Palestinians to take urgent and effective measures to stop bloodshed and resume peace negotiations, " it added. The statement said Kazakhstan supports the initiative and agreed-upon steps of the international community, including those under the aegis of the United Nations on resolving long-term conflict.^[96]
•  Kenya – On 21 July, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed says Kenya is a friend to both the Israelis and Palestinians and would like to see a peaceful resolution to the Gaza crisis.^[97]
•  Kuwait – Kuwait reiterated its denunciation of criminals acts and practices committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. The condemnation came during a weekly cabinet meeting. The cabinet voiced much concern over Israel's continuing air strikes at the Gaza Strip, which left scores of Palestinian innocent civilians, mostly women and children, dead or wounded. The Kuwaiti cabinet called on the international community to live up to its humanitarian responsibility by exerting more pressure on the "Israeli entity" to stop its continuing aggression on the Palestinian people and its crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. It also urged the world to provide international protection for the Palestinian people and to support ongoing efforts to achieve just, comprehensive and permanent peace in the Middle East region.^[98]
•  Latvia – On 10 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that read it "expresses its concerns about the escalation of the situation between Israel and the Gaza Strip.Latvia calls upon the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all steps necessary in order to prevent further escalation of violence and destabilization of the situation in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the rocket attacks perpetrated by terrorist groups upon Israel. Latvia regrets as well the growing number of civilian casualties caused by Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Recognising Israel's right to defend the security of its people, this ought to be done with proportionate use of force, which would not cause further civilian casualties.The escalation of the situation again points to the necessity of finding a solution on the basis of direct talks and resulting in the existence of two states, which live side-by-side in peace and security."^[99]
•  Lebanon – On 10 July, the Lebanese cabinet condemned Israel's offensive on Gaza. Minister of Information Ramzi Jreij said "the Lebanese government and its people would show solidarity with the Palestinians in a struggle towards the restoration of their legitimate rights. The ministers also urged the Arab League and the international community to take action in order to halt the "Israeli killing machine."^[100]
•  Lithuania – On 16 July,President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite expressed "very much concern" about the situation in Gaza Strip and the raging conflict between Israel and the Palestinian groups."We want as soon as possible a peaceful solution and real ceasefire on both sides," she told journalists ahead of a special EU summit in Brussels tonight.^[101]
•  Malaysia – On 9 July, Prime Minister Najib Razak condemned the Israeli air strikes and called for an immediate cessation of military operations. He added "peace can only come with the creation of a viable two-state solution and all parties should adhere to this principle."^[102]
•  Maldives – On 13 July, Maldives issued a statement that read "during a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, President Abdulla Yameen said that no nation can truly understand the constant fear and heartbreak that the Palestinian people are subjected to each day. The president further condemned the gross violation of human rights being committed by the Israeli government and said that he will continue to pray for Palestine. President Yameen also assured President Abbas that his government would undertake all efforts to encourage international condemnation of Israeli violence."^[103] On 22 July, Maldives announced it would boycott Israeli goods and suspend co-operation agreements on health, culture and education, and tourism until Israel stops its's bombardment of Gaza ^[104]
•  Mali – On 24 July, the Government of Mali declared a national day of mourning for the victims of Gaza, stating its solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for "liberty, dignity, and independence."^[105]
•  Malta – On 10 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it expressed its regret at the "bloody violence" currently ongoing between Israel and Gaza and declared that it "unreservedly condemned any form of violence. [The] Government firmly believes that violence is never the solution. Rather, it only serves to create even more reprisal and retribution. This, in turn, leads to more hatred, more suffering and more barbaric acts."^[106]
•  Mauritania – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation issued a statement that read it "strongly condemns the brutal military operation launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and confirmed that the policy of repression, torture, destruction and mass murder pursued by Israel against the Palestinian people will have dire consequences for the security and stability of the region and will contribute to undermining the path of peaceful negotiation process. The ministry reiterated the support of Mauritania’s leadership, government and people to the Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights in the establishment of an independent state on its entire territory with Jerusalem as its capital."^[107]
•  Mexico – Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) issued a statement that condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians affected by the recent attacks from both Israel and Palestine.^[108] "Mexico reiterates its grave concern at the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, and makes a strong call to put an immediate end to the attacks and acts of violence."^[109]
•  Morocco – On 9 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that offered its condolences to the families of Palestinian victims and expressed concern over the continuation of this aggression against innocent civilians. After denouncing Israel’s unjustified and unacceptable escalation, it warned against serious consequence that this could entail on efforts made to resume the peace process and on the future of the entire region.It also called on the "international community" to fully take its responsibility for urgent action to end the fighting, protect the Palestinian people and preserve their rights, hold Israel accountable for the flagrant aggression" and force it to abide by the international law resolutions.^[110]
•  Namibia – On 15 July, the Ministry of Foreign affairs issued a statement that read: "The Government of the Republic of Namibia has been following with grave concern the massive aerial bombardment of Gaza, Palestinian Territory, by the Israeli Air and Naval Forces." It also "called on the two warring parties to immediate cease fighting and strongly urged them to agree to a ceasefire."^[111]
•  New Zealand – On 9 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said "New Zealand is greatly concerned at the recent escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel, and in particular the deaths of civilians. New Zealand urges both sides to show restraint and to prevent any further civilian casualties. We call for an immediate end to rocket attacks into Israel and for proportionate responses that do not further escalate the situation.The current situation reinforces the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. "New Zealand wants to see progress in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and we urge the political leadership on each side to find a peaceful way through the current flare up of violence."^[112]
•  Nicaragua – On 11 July, President Daniel Ortega said he "expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned the genocidal bombing of Israel. How are we going to condemn us not, at this time, the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people again? Now go over there 80 dead, children, youth of all ages. Who for that genocide?"^[113]
•  Niger – On 22 July, the Government of Niger released a statement condemning the aerial bombardment of Gaza and calling on Israel to "put an end to its policy of occupation and colonization as well as to the blockade unjustly imposed on Gaza, which are at the root of the legitimate revolt by the Palestinian peoples." Niger called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations as well as the members of the UN Security Council to put an immediate end to the "abominable crimes committed in Gaza" and to find the basis for a just and durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.^[114]
•  North Korea – On 15 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read: "We bitterly denounce Israel's brutal killings of many defenseless Palestinians through indiscriminate military attacks on peaceable residential areas in Palestine as they are unpardonable crimes against humanity."^[115]
•  Norway – On 15 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Børge Brende issued a statement that read "the events of the past weeks in Gaza and the West Bank have once more underscored the importance of reaching a lasting political solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The only viable way to bring the civilian losses and the enormous suffering in Gaza to an end is an early ceasefire. More than 180 people have been reported killed and some 1400 have been wounded during the attacks of the past week. Most of them are civilians, and many are women and children. This is unacceptable, and cannot be allowed to continue. On 18 July, Brende condemned Israel's ground operation in the Gaza. "This is an unacceptable action, especially when a ceasefire could have been reached. During a visit to Israel during the attack he entered a bomb shelter in Ashkelon, while adding that he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a ground operation because "it would create a much bigger problem."^[116]
•  Oman – Majlis Al Shura Chairman Khalid Al Mawali said the events in Gaza are "an act of madness and reflect the weakness of the community, differences and divide within and the absence of a clear vision. We have to cooperate and be more responsible to minimise the sufferings of Palestinians and do our best to stop Israeli aggression, which is beyond description. Now, people of Gaza do not know if it is day or night. The number of those being killed and injured is multiplying into thousands. Even the medical teams and civil defence ambulances are not safe from bombings, depriving the injured and sick people of their most basic minimum right to receive treatment and be healed. The world is not doing anything but just expressing pain".^[117]
•  Pakistan – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "I am saddened and disappointed to note the silence of international community against this injustice, the silence and ineffectiveness of the Muslim Ummah has made Palestinians more vulnerable and made Israel more aggressive. The world must stop Israel from this naked and brutal aggression".He termed the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza as ‘genocide,’ urging the world to stop Israel’s naked and brutal aggression.^[118][119] In his Independence Day speech Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Israeli atrocities on Gaza citizens were no lesser a tragedy. He said the bombardment on human settlements and massacre of innocent people was a moment of thought for the world community as well as the human conscience.He said: “Pakistan strongly condemns it. The civilised world must take cognisance of the situation because it was a tragedy for the whole humanity.” ^[120] He said if the world institutions like the United Nations failed to stop the Israeli aggression, they would not only lose confidence but also, the world would become more insecure.
•  Peru – On 13 July, Foreign Minister Gonzalo Gutierrez issued a statement that read he "condemned the killing of Palestinian civilians by Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and recalled that his country recognised the State of Palestine. [the events] can not and should not continue. No attack scenario and that is affecting bombing civilian targets sensitive way possible."^[121] On 29 July, the Peruvian government recalled its ambassador.^[43]
•  Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs issued an "Alert Level Warning 3" for Filipinos in the Gaza Strip. It issued a statement that read its embassies in Egypt, Jordan and Israel "are ready to assist Filipinos who wants to leave Israel. [We] are concerned on growing threats of Hamas to the Filipino citizens in Israel."^[122]
•  Qatar – On 8 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it "strongly condemned the series of Israeli raids on Gaza Strip on Sunday night, which killed and injured a group of Palestinian people. Qatar strongly denounces Israel's ongoing hostile acts in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It urged the international community to move to stop Israeli aggression against Palestinians and lift the unjust siege on the Gaza Strip."^[123]
•  Romania – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated a crisis cell for granting consular assistance to Romanian citizens in the Gaza Strip.^[124] Likewise, it was decided the dispatch several consular teams equipped with mobile means of granting consular assistance.^[125]
•  Russia – A Kremlin statement read that President Vladimir Putin telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to stop the operation in Gaza that lead [sic] to multiple deaths among civilians." It added that "the conversation was requested by the Israeli side."^[126] On 9 July, Putin told a delegation of rabbis visiting him that he supports "Israel's battle that is intended to keep its citizens protected".^[127] In a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 23 July, Russian President Vladimir Putin said further fighting in Gaza will lead to a dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation and to more casualties and suffering among the civilian population. Putin stressed that that "there is no alternative to ceasefire and a political settlement" and reiterated his readiness to "facilitate mediatory efforts and the implementation of peace initiatives, including within the UN framework".^[128] Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian Parliament Mikhail Margelov said Russia is ready to facilitate reconciliation between Palestine and Israel. He also said that "It is very important for us that the parties complied with the UN resolutions. Our position remained unchanged: we want the Jewish and Arab peoples to live in peace and accord. We’re ready to facilitate the peace process at the bilateral level and within international organizations. Amid the ground operation in Gaza the logic of events prevails over political expediency. In Gaza there are different groups that do not maintain contacts. The situation is not controlled by a single centre. This complicates attempts to find a political solution".^[129] On 25 July Russian Foreign Ministry published a message calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza under Egypt's initiative saying "The events in Gaza arouse growing concern. We condemn the death of innocent people, primarily children, during the attack on the UN school in Beit-Hanoun".^[130]
•  Sahrawi Republic – On 23 July, the Polisario Front, which claims Western Sahara (disputed with Morocco), released a statement condemning, "with the strongest terms, the genocide and mass destruction Israel is committing these days in Gaza Strip" and reaffirming its "strong solidarity" with the Palestinian people.^[131]
•  Saudi Arabia – The governing cabinet issued a statement that read it "condemned Israeli military aggression and brutal raids on Gaza Strip, which resulted in killing hundreds of Palestinians." During a weekly cabinet session, headed by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the cabinet called on the UN Security Council and the Human Rights council "to live up to their responsibilities and implement the Fourth Geneva Convention on Israel." It also called for a "quick action to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip in addition to all crimes and violations against the Palestinian people."^[132] Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered $50 million in aid to be transferred to the Palestinian Red Crescent.^[133] He also described the Israel offensive as a war crime and state terrorism. He said "We see the blood of our brothers in Palestine shed in collective massacres that did not exclude anyone, and war crimes against humanity without scruples, humanity or morality" ^[134]
•  Senegal – On 18 July, in a statement issued after the weekly council of ministers' meeting, the Senegalese government said that the solutions must take into account “the legitimate rights” of the Palestinian people. It also urged restraint on the part of Israel and calling for an immediate ceasefire while reaffirming its solidarity and support to the Palestinian cause.^[135]
•  Serbia – Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbia respects the right of the state of Israel to existence and a peaceful life of its citizens, and expressed hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully and that everyday life will return to normal.^[136]
•  Seychelles – On 17 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam has appealed for an "immediate cessation" to all hostilities. He also "called on both to stop their aerial back-and-forth."^[137]
•  Singapore – On 19 July, Singapore issued a statement that read it "strongly supports the United Nation's Secretary-General's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and urged all parties involved to do their utmost to ensure the protection of civilians." In response to media queries about Israel's ground offensive into Gaza, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "the deteriorating situation in Gaza will sharply exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. Singapore urged all parties to work towards a lasting ceasefire that would bring an end to the suffering, the spokesman said, adding that it was important to break the cycle of violence and the focus now has to be the safety and security of all innocent people affected by the conflict and for humanitarian aid to be delivered to them on an urgent basis."^[138]
•  Somalia – Deputy Prime Minister Ridwan Hirsi Mohamed, who was attending the Muslim Scholars Forum in Istanbul, said that the international community has failed to oppose Israeli aggression against Muslims in Palestine. "The ongoing genocide committed by Israel against our brothers in Palestine is something that we can not accept. Killing innocent people of women and children, targeting hospitals, mosques and schools is something very hateful. We share the pain with Palestinians, as we strongly say that Somalia is very upset about what is going in Gaza. He on the Israeli government to stop killing innocent civilians in Gaza as he also asked the world, particularly the Muslim World, to break its silence and do something about the events.^[139]
•  South Africa – The Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Clayson Monyela, stated that the country "strongly urge all sides to refrain from responding to violence with violence and to exercise restraint, including a halt to the arbitrary arrest of Palestinian civilians and the use of collective punishment on Palestinians."^[140]
•  Spain – On 18 July, Spain released a statement expressing its "profound concern" over ground operations and called on Israel to scrupulously respect civilian life and social services infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Spain called on all parties to cease military action."^[141] On 17 July, the Regional Government of Catalonia voiced its "concern" regarding the current situation in the south of Israel and the Gaza Strip. The Government condemned the ongoing violence and lamented the loss of human life caused by the conflict. "The safety of civilian populations must be the principal priority and respect for international humanitarian aid, including the protection of civilians, must be guaranteed", said the Secretariat for Foreign and European Union Affairs of the Government of Catalonia. The Government of Catalonia supported diplomatic efforts towards a negotiated agreement in the conflict between Israel and Palestine based on the creation of two secure States and the principle of non-violence. Accordingly, the Government of Catalonia joined the request of the United Nations and the European Union for an immediate reduction in the intensity of the conflict and the restoration of the ceasefire in order to avoid the continued loss of human life.^[142]
•  Sri Lanka – On 16 July, the External Affairs Ministry issued a statement that read it was " deeply concerned" by the violence and called for support for a ceasefire. "Sri Lanka is deeply concerned at the recent escalating violence in Gaza, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives and extensive damage to property. Cross-border provocation on locations in parts of Israel also need to cease. Sri Lanka's government called upon the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint in a bid to halt the violence and ensure a climate conducive to the recommencement of negotiations for a lasting solution to the conflict."^[143]
•  Sudan – On 13 July, the Foreign Ministry called for "an urgent international protection for Palestinians, who have been subject to the Israeli aggression for the seventh day in a row. Without that international protection, it becomes meaningless to speak about the international legitimacy, justice, humanitarian values and fighting terrorism. Sudan condemns the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip [and] denounces weak international reactions towards that Israel's continuing aggression against Gaza."^[144]
•  Sweden – On 11 July, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on Twitter that "no one was winning by resorting to violence" and he called for a ceasefire between the two sides.^[145]
•  Syria – Prime Minister Wael Nader al-Halqi said that "the massacres perpetrated by the Zionists are within the same scope of the acts of terrorism practiced by the armed groups in Syria." Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad expressed support for the Palestinian people and condemned Israel's "bloody aggression on the Palestinian people and the crimes committed by hordes of settlers who have burned Palestinians to death".^[146] On 15 July, The cabinet issued a statement that read it expressed condemnation of the savage massacres being committed by the 'racial Zionist occupation' against the steadfast Palestinian people who have been firmly sticking to their land. Prime Minister Wael Nader al-Halqi said the massacres perpetrated by the Zionists are within the same scope of the acts of terrorism practiced by the armed groups in Syria.^[147]
•  Tanzania – On 14 July, Foreign Minister Bernard Membe called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned the killings of the innocent civilians in Gaza. He called upon the international community to continue supporting diplomatic efforts in ending this conflict and emphasized that the solution to this conflict is to support the self determination of the people via the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.^[148][149]
•  Thailand – On 16 July, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow, also serving as acting foreign minister, called on Israel and Palestine to talk. "Thailand did not want to see the situation worsen as it would affect innocent people, particularly children. There are a number of Thais currently working in Israel. This deteriorating situation requires all sides to return to the negotiating table and seek a way out together."^[150]
•  Trinidad and Tobago – On 16 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran issued a call for peace in the conflict between Israel and Palestine and "expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of hostilities between the two states. Trinidad and Tobago urges the combatants to avoid any action that would complicate the current situation and lead to an extensive military campaign. It was imperative that as a first step the hostilities be brought to an immediate halt, in order to permit the space and time for sober reflection and dialogue among the parties, with the involvement of the international community. Trinidad and Tobago renews its support for the important role played by the United Nations and other international agencies in seeking to definitively resolve this conflict and, in that regard, we call upon the parties to work, in good faith, towards the full and effective implementation of previous resolutions passed by United Nations Security Council, in order to establish the basis for lasting peace and security. Trinidad and Tobago urges all concerned to take all necessary steps to ensure that persons and communities in need of humanitarian aid and support are allowed immediate, unimpeded access to such services, in order to reduce the burden of suffering visited upon them."^[151]
•  Tunisia – On 9 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that condemned the Israeli military escalation and demanded the UN Security Council "immediately intervene to stop such attacks." It went on to renewed Tunisia's solidarity with the Palestinian people and called on "the international community and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities and urgently intervene to force the Israeli government to immediately stop these unjustified attacks, which aim to further destroy the lives of the Palestinian people and puts the area on the brink of explosion." ^[152]
•  Turkey – President Abdullah Gül said that: "Israel should stop its intensified bombardment of the Gaza Strip and never contemplate a possible ground offensive".^[153] Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of conducting "state terrorism" and a "genocide attempt" against the Palestinians.^[154] He also stated that "as long as children are being slaughtered in Palestine, normalisation of Turkey-Israel relations are no longer impossible".^[155] Erdoğan later added of Benjamin Netanyahu that "he surpasses Hitler in barbarism".^[156] The Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it "strongly condemned Israel's attacks against the Gaza Strip. Israel must immediately stop this operation. We call on the international community to give the strongest response to the human tragedy occurring in Gaza due to Israel's aggression, and on international organisations, especially the United Nations, to take the necessary steps without delay to stop these attacks."^[157] Also, Turkey declares three days of national mourning for Palestinian victims.^[158]
•  United Arab Emirates – On 9 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it "strongly condemned Israel's continuous aggressive practices on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UAE condemns the latest air strikes launched by Israeli occupation forces on the Gaza Strip, in which many Palestinians were martyred and wounded. The UAE renews its complete rejection of all acts of violence which kill innocent civilians and demands immediate cease of the policy of collective revenge and punishment. The UAE called the international community to act immediately to stop the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, targeting of the Gaza Strip, and to shoulder its responsibility to protect the Palestinian people. [There is a] need for respect for and commitment to the international law rules in order to preserve peace, security and stability in the region."^[159]
•  United Kingdom – Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed concern over the violence.^[160] He stated that "I condemn the firing of rockets into Israel by Gaza-based militants. The UK calls on Hamas and other militant groups to stop these attacks".^[161] In separate telephone calls to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman he spoke of the British government’s "deep concern about the number of civilian casualties and the need for all sides to avoid further civilian injuries and the loss of innocent life."^[162] Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg stated that Israel's airstrikes against the Gaza Strip were "deliberately disproportionate" and constituted "collective punishment".^[163] Senior Foreign Office ministerBaronness Warsi resigned from her post on 5 August, saying that the government’s “approach and language during the current crisis in Gaza is morally indefensible."^[164]
•  United States – President Barack Obama issued a statement read he continued his requests since the start of Operation Brother's Keeper that both sides should use restraint. He reiterated his previous sentiments that the "only way to achieve long lasting peace is not through fighting but through a common understanding and agreement."^[165] White House spokesman Josh Earnest stated: "No country can accept rocket fire aimed at civilians and we support Israel's right to defend itself against these vicious attacks."^[166] On 14 August the Wall Street Journal reported that the Gaza violence had persuaded many U.S. officials that "Mr. Netanyahu and his national security team are both reckless and untrustworthy."^[167]
  • On 11 July, the United States House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution showing their support for Israel and denouncing Hamas.^[168]
•  Uruguay – On 10 July, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it "strenuously condemned" Israel's attacks against Gaza for the death toll of civilians, including women and children, and calling them a "disproportionate response" to the rocket fire by armed groups in Gaza. The statement also condemned the rocket attacks which threatened the civilian population of Israel.^[169]
•  Venezuela – President Nicolás Maduro said that the government "vigorously condemns the unfair and disproportionate military response by the illegal state of Israel against the heroic Palestinian people."^[170]
•  Vietnam – On 18 July, in answering questions by reporters about Vietnam's response before the conflicts escalated between Israel and Hamas movement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai said: "Vietnam strongly concern [sic] escalating violence inflicting severe casualties to civilians. We urge the parties concerned to stop firing, resuming the negotiations and supported the efforts of the international community in order to soon bring peace and stability to the region."^[171]
•  Yemen – Yemen denounced the continued Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs Hameed al-Awadhi, who heads Yemeni delegation to the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called for intensifying efforts to stop the Israeli aggressions and violations against the Palestinian people. The meeting was held in light of the current military Israeli escalation against the Palestinian people and their land and holy places, which killed in the Gaza Strip hundreds of children, elderly and women."^[172] On 4 August, an estimated one hundred thousand strong flooded the streets of Yemen's capital to condemn the Israeli operation. Yemeni protesters praised the Palestinian armed resistance and slammed Arab leaders for keeping their eyes closed on the "atrocities committed by Israel" according to the Iranian Press TV.^[173] Protesters also referred to Arab leaders as "Zionist friendly" entities that undermine the public’s will to save Palestinians in Gaza.
•  Zimbabwe – On 21 July, at the Joint Commission of Co-operation meeting held in Harare, the respective foreign ministers, host Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and his Namibian counterpart Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressed grave concern over the aerial bombardment of Gaza, called for the immediate cessation of all hostilities and urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire, according to a statement. They also highlighted the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and also reiterated their support for a two-state solution.^[174]

Others

• Amnesty International – Called for an arms embargo on all sides involved enforced by the UN and an investigation into possible war crimes.^[175]
• B'Tselem – Stated that attacks by Israel on homes of members of armed Palestinian groups are violations of international humanitarian law,^[176] and that deliberate targeting of civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups defies humanity and is morally and legally reprehensible.^[177]
• Human Rights Watch – "Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel appear to be indiscriminate or targeted at civilian population centers, which are war crimes, while Israeli attacks targeting homes may amount to prohibited collective punishment."^[178]
• Red Cross – "The International Committee of the Red Cross calls on all sides to protect civilians and medical workers caught in the midst of the escalating conflict."^[179]

Demonstrations and protests

Pro-Palestinian

Protests have been organized by pro-Palestinian groups in several countries to protest the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza strip and what they regard to be "atrocities" and "massacres" committed in Gaza. 45,000 people demonstrated in London,^[180] 20,000 in Santiago,^[181] about 5,000 in Paris,^[182] 3,000 in Oslo, hundreds in Caracas, Venezuela, and around 2,000 in Tunis.^[183] Protests were also planned in Amman, the UN in Geneva, and Kashmir.^[184] In Ireland, 3,000 people demonstrated in Dublin. Demonstrations also took place in Derry, Galway, Cork and Limerick.^[185] In the United States, demonstrations have taken place in Los Angeles and New York.^[186][187] In Cape Town, South Africa approximately 4,000 people protested in support of the Palestinians on 16 July.^[188] In Paris, France, on 13 July, around 10,000 people protested the Israeli operation. Dozens of protesters tried to force their way into a synagogue with around a 150 people inside, attempting to enter it armed with bats and chairs, and chanting "Death to Jews" and ultimately clashed with Parisian police who blocked them from entering.^[189] The city's government banned pro-Palestinian protests after two synagogues were attacked on 13 July. On 19 July, Parisian protesters clashed with riot police in a working-class neighborhood.^[190] In Frankfurt, Germany, Neo-Nazis and Islamists clashed with police, resulting in 8 police officers being injured. Signs held by these groups read as things such as "You Jews are Beasts". After the clash, the groups looked for Jewish institutions, and Frankfurt police said they were going to protect these institutions.^[191] Demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza took part or were scheduled in all regions of Spain, from Bilbao in the Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia to Barcelona in Catalonia and in the Canary Islands. On 14 July some 500 people of different nationalities filled the area near the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, the capital, in a demonstration. The protesters chanted, "Long live the struggle of the Palestinian people!" and "You Zionists are the terrorists!"^[192] Some 150–200 participants joined a demonstration organised by the association of Palestinians living in Hungary against Israel's operations in the Gaza Strip. The demonstration called for stopping the "terrorist bombing" of Gaza by Israel and for "Palestine's freedom."^[193] One teenager aged 15–16 years old was killed in Khudwani, a village south of Srinagar, Indian Administrated Kashmir when Government forces fired on a pro-Palestinian rally. Kashmiris have held widespread pro-Palestinian protesters every day since the start of the conflict.^[194] On 17 July, demonstrations were held in different cities in solidarity with Gazan civilians, while protestors burned Israeli flags.^[195] A Pro-Palestinian protest was held in Pretoria, South Africa, demonstrator called for the freedom of Palestine.^[196] There were 134 demonstrations against the war in the first fifteen days of the conflict in the United States.^[197] In August 2014, the Port of Oakland was the scene of a protest against an Israeli-owned ship.^[198] Palestinian demonstrators claimed to have the support of the port's International Longshore and Warehouse Union dockworkers who they said had refused to unload the ship's cargo. The union however denied this saying the ILWU had not taken a position on the conflict. The demonstration which involved a heavy police presence, initially comprising more than 100 police officers, prevented the ship's cargo being unloaded for four days.^[199]

2014 Quds Day

On 25 July 2014, International Quds Day, million peoples around the world called for the liberation of Palestine and an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, marched in streets of Afghanistan^[200] Argentina,^[201] Azerbaijan,^[202]Germany^[203] Iran^[204] Lebanon^[205] Australia^[206] South Africa^[207] Pakistan^[208][209] India^[210] Iraq^[211] Bahrain^[212] Belgium^[213] England^[214] West Bank^[215] Canada^[216] Jordan^[217] Egypt^[218] Singapore^[219] Syria^[220] Tunisia^[219] Turkey^[221] Yemen^[222] Saudi Arabia^[223] South Korea^[224][219] Kenya^[225] New Zealand^[219] Nigeria (12 people killed)^[226][227] Sudan^[228] Algeria^[228]Bangladesh^[229] Kyrgyzstan^[230] United States of America^[231]United Kingdom,^[232] Tanzania,^[149] Hong Kong,^[233] Taiwan,^[234][235] Japan,^[236] Singapore^[237]

The Quds day marching had been banned in France.^[238][239] Despite the ban, pro-Palestinian protest still took place in Paris and other French cities.^[232]

Some twenty-five Nigerian demonstrators were gunned down by security forces during the Quds Day rally in the ancient city of Zaria, in Nigeria’s Kaduna State.^{[240][241][242]}

Day of Rage

On 9 August 2014, Global Day of Rage ^[243] Tens of thousands of people marched across different cities of the world to protest the Israel's offensive against Gaza and demanded a firmer position by the international community against the violence.^[244] According to Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, 150,000 people marched through London, shouting Anti-Israel Slogans and calling for "end to the siege". Demonstrators first marched to BBC's headquarter to denounce what they called Pro-Israeli Bias. They Packed the main shopping artery of Oxford Street , marching to the US embassy and on to Hyde Park. They held up the banner which said “UK — Stop Arming Israel”.^[245] In Paris, several thousand people took part in the march to, calling for end to the Israeli aggression. They carried banners condemning the violence. Some protesters carried mannequins wrapped in Palestinian flag, depicting Palestinian deaths.^[245] In Berlin 1000 people took part in two rallies, which ended in central square.^[244] In Tehran hundred of Doctors, Nurses and paramedics gathered in "Palestine Square" offered to volunteer in gaza.^[244] In New Delhi, Protest was organized by 70 political and social groups on the theme of “Stop The Genocide in Gaza! Boycott Israel!” Protestors demanded that the international community, including India should “boycott Israel till the time it continues the illegal occupation of Palestine”.^[243] In Melbourne Protesters marched down the Swanston Street and gather in front of Department of Foreign Affairs building. Protesters called for end to Israeli Blockade of Gaza. They also called on the Australian cut all ties with Israel, release of Palestinian political prisoners and the end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank & East Jerusalem. Protesters urged the UN to convene a special general assembly to condemn the Israeli aggression and demand the country to abide by the International laws, Agreements and Conventions^[246] At least 100,000 held a pro-Palestine march called by the National Coalition for Palestine in Cape Town on 9 August.^[247][248]

Pro-Israel

Pro-Israel rallies have been held in Argentina, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Russia, Uruguay and the United States. On 10 July 200 people voiced support for Israel at the Rockland County Courthouse.^[249] On 11 July, In Philadelphia, Israel supporters rallied outside the Israeli consulate.^[250] A plethora of Hollywood's actors, producers, directors and other entertainment professionals signed a statement in opposition to Hamas.^[251] A pro-Israel rally of more than 1,200 supporters in Los Angeles resulted in physical violence after its protesters ripped a Palestinian flag away from a passing vehicle and began stomping on it.^[187] On 13 July, participants of a pro-Israel rally attacked a passing car which was flying Palestinian flags in Westwood, California. A police officer fired a shot to intervene in the situation.^[252] On 14 July, over two dozen elected officials rallied at New York City Hall in support of Israel.^[186] On 17 July over 1,200 supporters of Israel attended their demonstration at a local Synagogue in the Greater Toronto area.^[253] Around 5,000 people attended a 20 July pro-Israel rally in New York City, while a smaller counter-protest was held nearby. Both rallies were held without incident.^[254] On 27 July, supporters of Israel marched through the streets of Mexico's capital, Mexico City to show their solidarity with Israel, asking for peace and condemning Hamas' rocket fire into Israeli cities.^[255] On 3 August 2014, 3000 people participated in The Bay Stands With Israel solidarity rally in downtown San Francisco, after which approximately 1,200 demonstrators marched under police escort. Signed carried by the protestors included "Israel is the only country in the Middle East where they don’t burn American flags" and "More Hummus, Less Hamas."^[256] On 10 August, up to 600 people including several MPs marked their support for Israel in a demonstration outside the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo.^[257][258] A pro-Israel rally was held at the South African Jewish Museum in Cape Town on 10 August.^[259] The rally was attended by some 5,000 people.^[260] In Budapest some 4,500 people attended the interfaith rally in support of Israel, while a smaller counter demonstration was held near the synagogue building by the far-right Hungarian Jobbik political party.^[261] In Paris, the pro-Israeli rally was attended by some 8,000 people who gathered near Israel’s embassy in Paris’ ^[262] while similar demonstration in Marseilles gathered some 2,000 participants.^[263] In London some 5,000 people turned out to show solidarity with Israel ^[264] In Helsinki, the pro-Israeli rally was attended by some 1,000 participants ^[265] Pro-Israeli rallies were held in Australia too, in Sydney some 10,000 people participated. Pro-Israeli rally were also held in Brisbane. In Brazil, some 2,500 people gathered in at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, to support Israel, another pro-Israel rally in Brazil took place in Sao Paulo, where some 3,000 people marched. Hundreds of Israeli supporters also marched in Guatemala City.In the city of Gori in Georgia, a support rally of Israel was organized, with children painting their faces with the Israeli flag ^[266] Another pro-Israeli rally was held in Tokyo Japan ^[267] On 16 August 2014 in Kolkata, India 20,000 demonstrators from the Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities held the biggest pro-Israel rally so far with many Indian political activists proclaiming Israel's rights to defend itself.^[268]

Civic reaction within Israel

Reaction among the (non-Arab) Israeli population has been strongly supportive of the military action in Gaza.^[269] In Sderot, Israelis gathered on the hillside to watch and cheer Israeli military strikes in nearby Gaza.^[270]

War crimes accusations

As the scale of Operation Protective Edge expanded, civilian casualties mounted and accusations of war crimes were levelled from different quarters. On 19 July, Nabil el-Araby, the head of the Cairo-based Arab League, accused Israel of perpetrating "war crimes" against Palestinians.^[271] On the following day, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the Palestinian civilian casualties caused by the Israeli military, stating: "I condemn this atrocious action. Israel must exercise maximum restraint and do far more to protect civilians."^[272] Accusations of Israel of war crimes were voiced in the U.K. by "several MPs including a former Cabinet minister".^[273]

On 21 July, Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized Israel's military operation stating that there was "a strong possibility that international law has been violated, in a manner that could amount to war crimes". She also criticized Hamas for "indiscriminate attacks" on Israel.^[274]

Hamas has been accused by the Israel Democracy Institute for committing war crimes by firing rockets at unprotected civilians. Hamas is believed to have breached international law as a result of their attacks.^[275] The human rights advocacy group B'Tselem has argued that both Palestinian rocket fire and Israeli targeting the homes of militia members, could constitute war crimes and be violating international law.^[276][277] The international organization Human Rights Watch described Hamas's deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians as war crimes in a 9 July statement and also called Israel's attacks on civilian structures as "unlawful under the laws of war" and "collective punishment".^[278][279] Amnesty International said that "UN must impose arms embargo on Israel/Gaza and mandate an international investigation".^[280]

On 23 July the United Nations Human Rights Council announced it is opening an investigation into the accusations of war crimes.^[281]

International diplomacy

Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, El Salvador and Chile recalled their ambassadors from Tel Aviv as a reaction to Israel's offensive. Brazil and Chile also suspended trade talks with Israel.^{[282][283][284]}

Spain decided to freeze arms and military technology exports to Israel, stopping sales of defense and dual-use materiel. Britain was reported to be reviewing its arms sales to Israel.^{[285][286][287][288]}

Cyber attacks

In response to Israeli attacks on Gaza,^[289] pro-Palestinian hackers have carried out cyber-attacks on Israeli commercial,^[290][291] government,^[292] aviation and banking websites.^[290] Anonymous's 'OpIsrael' defaced or took down more than 1,000 Israeli websites, including Israeli government web domains^[293][294] such as those of Mossad, the Tel Aviv Police Department and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.^[295] Hackers claimed to have published over 170 emails and passwords of Israeli officials in an attack on 21 July. A report by Arbor Networks showed a direct correlation between cyber attacks and the intensity of the conflict.^[296] Iranian^[297] and Chinese^[298] hackers were blamed for some of the attacks.^[299][300]

In some instances, Israeli security forces have responded to attacks with 'counter hacks'^[301] targeting Hamas websites.^[302] Pro-Israeli hackers called the Israeli Elite Force published what were said to be 45,000 usernames and passwords of government officials at the Gaza Ministry of Health.^[303]

Rise in antisemitism

A number of pro-Palestinian protests in Europe have turned to violence against the local Jewish communities. In a number of instances the demonstrators called for the death of Jews and attacked Jews and Jewish-owned property. These actions raised concerns over antisemitism and the safety of Jews in European countries.^{[304][305][306]} Similar concerns over antisemitism were raised following protests in other countries as well.^{[307][308][309]}

During a rally in the capital of Belgium’s Flemish region one of the speakers were reported to have used a loudspeaker to chant in Arabic “slaughter the Jews."^[310] In Casablanca, a local Moroccan rabbi was beaten until he was unconscious.^[311] Rome's historic Jewish quarter was vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti.^[312]

Police in England have recorded more than 100 antisemitic hate crimes since the start of the Gaza conflict. In Toulouse, France, a man was arrested by local police for throwing fire-bombs at a Jewish community center. The fire-bombs failed to ignite.^[313] In Malmo, Sweden, a rabbi and a member of his congregation were assaulted at different times on the same day.^[314][315] Antisemitic attacks occurred in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne as well. Teenagers harassed Jewish schoolchildren on a Sydney bus, a Jewish school was vandalized in Perth and a Jewish man was beaten in a street attack in Melbourne.^[316]

In South Africa, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies has laid criminal charges of hate speech and incitment of violence against the South African Jewish community as well as complaints at the South African Human Rights Commission against the regional secretary of the Western Cape region of COSATU, Tony Ehrenreich, over comments he made on social media that included the statement "The time has come to say very clearly that if a woman or child is killed in Gaza, then the Jewish board of deputies, who are complicit, will feel the wrath of the people of SA with the age old biblical teaching of an eye for an eye. The time has come for the conflict to be waged everywhere the Zionist supporters fund and condone the war killing machine of Israel".^{[317][318][319]}

Attacks on synagogues

A number of synagogues have been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters. Following a demonstration in Paris, protesters attempted to break into nearby synagogues. Six police officers and two Jewish residents were injured during the scuffle.^[320] In Wuppertal, Germany, a synagogue was firebombed.^[312] In Belfast, Northern Ireland, bricks were thrown through the windows of a local synagogue on two successive nights.^[313] A synagogue was vandalized in Malmo, Sweden.^[314][315] And a synagogue in Miami, Florida, was vandalized with graffiti; swastikas and the word "Hamas" were painted on the building.^[321][322] On 29 August, it was reported that French police uncovered a plot by two teenage Muslim girls, aged 15 and 17, to suicide bomb the Great Synagogue of Lyon, in Lyon, France. They were indicted on 22 August on charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism.^[323]

Reaction of world leaders

UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the rise of antisemitism in a published statement, declaring that the conflict in the Middle East must not be used as a pretext for prejudice affecting social peace.^[324] The foreign ministers of France (Laurent Fabius), Germany (Frank-Walter Steinmeier) and Italy (Federica Mogherini) condemned antisemitic attacks and protests in a joint statement, saying "antisemitic rhetoric and hostility against Jews, attacks on people of Jewish belief and synagogues have no place in our societies." French president François Hollande declared that fighting antisemitism would be a "national cause".^[325] A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the Chancellor “sharply condemns the flare-up of violence and the antisemitic utterances” as “an attack on freedom and tolerance and an attempt to undermine our free democratic order. This is something we can’t and won’t accept.”^[326]

Holocaust survivors

Many Holocaust survivors were among the elderly in Israel who donated money to help IDF soldiers in Gaza, totaling over 100,000 shekels, saying "It's the least we can do". Some individuals compared helping the IDF soldiers in Gaza to helping allied soldiers during WWII, with one of them saying "Now we must contribute to soldiers that are protecting us. My husband was a pilot, he fought for four years during the war and was seriously wounded. For me, donating is not a mitzva but rather a duty." and another saying "I served as an officer and a military doctor in the Red Army in the Soviet Union. It's the least we can do in this difficult atmosphere of war. As long as there's a continued threat to Israel's existence, we must all pitch in order to protect it."^[327][328]

Other Holocaust survivors both inside and outside of Israel are concerned and shocked about the rising amount of anti-Semitism manifesting itself as anti-Israel criticism, with one of them saying "It's ok not to agree with the Israeli government, like lots of people do over here. But if they are yelling 'kill all Jews' during protests, you haven't learned anything from the past." and another saying "I am deeply worried about the future of my children and grandchildren. Most of the elderly people are afraid. Everybody hates us. We are being surrounded by danger."^[329]

Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel said Hamas must stop using children as human shields, adding "Do the two cultures that brought us the Psalms of David and the rich libraries of the Ottoman Empire not share a love of life, of transmitting wisdom and opportunity to their children? And is any of this discernible in the dark future offered by Hamas to Arab children, to be suicide bombers or human shields for rockets? Palestinian parents want a hopeful future for their children, just like Israeli parents do. And both should be joining together in peace."^[330]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Demonstrations and protests relating to the Operation Protective Edge.

2014 Israel–Gaza conflict Main topics Timeline of the conflict Incidents 2014 Ben Gurion Airport flight bans Battle of Shuja'iyya (2014) 2014 Israeli shelling of UNRWA Gaza shelters Israeli strikes and Palestinian casualties Background Gaza–Israel conflict Gaza War (2008–09) Blockade of the Gaza Strip Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel 2014 Kidnapping and murder of Israeli teenagers Kidnapping and murder of Mohammed Abu Khdeir Reactions / effects Reactions to the conflict Media coverage of the conflict United Nations Fact Finding Mission Conflict in video games Other Palestinian tunnel warfare Palestinian unity government of 2014 Roof knocking Children in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict Propaganda and psychological warfare Iron Dome