As Israel grapples with unprecedented diplomatic backlash and rising tensions due to its military actions in Gaza, former President Donald Trump remains conspicuously silent. This week has seen strong statements and potential sanctions from multiple countries, marking a significant shift in international attitudes toward Israel's government.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts on Israel as Silence from Trump Persists
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts on Israel as Silence from Trump Persists
A wave of international condemnation is directed at Israel over its actions in Gaza, alongside unsettling developments in the region.
As the diplomatic storm encircles Israel, a stark headline from the liberal Israeli daily Ha'aretz rings true: "Diplomatic tsunami nears," reflecting the growing global criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza. The past week has been tumultuous for the Jewish state, not only due to widespread international condemnation but also because of tragic incidents, including the murder of two young Israeli embassy staffers in Washington.
The diplomatic push began on Monday when Britain, France, and Canada jointly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, branding them "egregious." They warned that continued military offensives could lead to "further concrete actions," including potential sanctions in response to Israel's settlement activities in the occupied West Bank. A coalition of 24 donor nations echoed this sentiment, casting doubt on an Israeli-backed aid delivery model for Gaza.
Israel's situation worsened as Britain suspended trade talks and announced a review of future cooperation plans for 2023. Prominent individuals within the Jewish settler community were sanctioned, and the Israeli ambassador was summoned to the British Foreign Office, a gesture typically reserved for nations like Russia.
The outcry stems from alarming reports indicating that Gaza is facing near-mass starvation due to ongoing military actions exacerbated by a humanitarian crisis. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted incendiary comments made by Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, condemning them as "extremism" and warning that international patience had run thin.
Critics argue Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is overly reliant on far-right allies and is inflicting reckless harm upon Palestinian civilians, prompting even longtime supporters of Israel to voice their discontent. Sir Keir Starmer, UK’s Prime Minister and previously a staunch defender of Israel, characterized the suffering of Gaza's children as "utterly intolerable."
In retaliation, Netanyahu claimed accusations against Israel come from those supporting Hamas, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused critics of indirectly provoking violence against Israeli officials. Despite widespread sympathy following the embassy slayings, Israel appears increasingly isolated, with rising anger from both diplomatic allies and the Jewish diaspora.
While Western leaders express outrage and solidarity with those suffering in Gaza, amid all this turmoil, Donald Trump remains silent. After a recent tour through the Gulf, he acknowledged the suffering in the region but refrained from vocal commentary when it could hold significant influence over the ongoing conflict. As calls for accountability grow, the world's eye remains on the unfolding events in Israel and Gaza, leaving many to wonder if Trump's silence will continue amidst such a powerful diplomatic tide.
