1News Political Editor Maiki Sherman looks at how world and NZ leaders speak about Israel – and how it’s changed since conflict reignited in the Gaza region.
When Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7 last year, countries around the world were shocked.
Many global leaders backed the right of Israel to mount a counter-offensive. Then New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was among them.
“We absolutely condemn those attacks, and we absolutely respect Israel’s right to defend itself as well,” Hipkins said.
So too was US President Joe Biden.
“Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and in my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” Biden said at the time.
Professor Robert Patman of Otago University said it was understandable that many leaders originally supported Israel’s right to defend itself.
“Many states initially supported Israel on the assumption that Israel would quickly prevail and the campaign against Hamas would end successfully in a month or so… that hasn’t happened,” he explained.
Now, six months into the conflict, countries initially sympathetic to Israel are showing a shift in language.
There are an estimated 33,000 Palestinians dead including 14,000 children.
“Countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Britain, have gradually expressed increased concern about civilian casualties,” Patman said.
In January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) weighed in. It ordered Israel to take specific measures to prevent genocide.
ICJ President Judge Joan Donoghue made the following remark.
“In these circumstances the court considers the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is at serious risk of deterioration.”
Patman said that ruling was a significant turning point.
“We’re in a situation now where the language has definitely changed and Israel and to some degree the United States are looking very isolated.”
Just this week, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters delivered a hard-hitting speech while at the UN condemning the actions of Israel.
“Building and expanding illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza imperil the two-state solution,” Peters said.
Australia’s Foreign Minister also suggested recognising Palestinians with an independent state.
“A two-state solution is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence,” Wong said.
Even the US, who is one of Israel’s strongest supporters, has signalled a growing intolerance.
“If there are not changes to their approach… It’s very likely we’re going to change our approach,” Vice President Kamala Harris said.
Positions at home
MPs back here have been navigating the complex issue.
Some, including Te Pāti Māori, strongly support the plight of Palestinians.
“I think it’s really disgusting to see anyone support any side that is disproportionately, violently, slaughtering another people,” co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said.
Others equally support Israel, including Act Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court.
“I’m proud to say that I stand with Israel and with the people of Israel against those violent terrorists,” Court said.
There is also division on the question of genocide.
“Every political party should be able to be clear, just open your eyes and have a look. That is a strong genocide case,” Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said.
National Party Minister Chris Bishop disagreed.
“It’s not the language that I would use… because that term has a specific legal meaning,” he said.
There is however agreement for a two-state solution.
“A solution that involves Palestinian people having self-determination in the form of a state is ideal,” Court said.