Israel: officials warn of declining Western support for Gaza war 

Israeli political officials warned yesterday of the decline in Western support for the occupation state in its war against the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Pro-Palestine protests have gained momentum in many Western capitals.

“The level of international legitimacy for Israel is declining. If the support rate at the beginning of the war was 70-80 per cent, then the political hourglass is declining and we currently enjoy support at 60-70 per cent,” Israel’s Ynet news site quoted the Israeli officials as saying. “Unfortunately, the world is forgetting the atrocities and considerations are increasing among countries, especially internal considerations regarding Muslim demonstrations. In general, there is widespread support for Israel in the world, but it has begun to decline.”

They pointed out that the details of the hostages still helps Israel. “However, internal considerations and the desire to pay attention to Muslims and Arabs intervene. The longer the war continues and we move to a military ground operation, the decline in support for Israel will increase, especially in Europe,” they added.

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According to the same officials, it is “not easy” to keep the support going. “The most important political hourglass is the United States and it is with us. However, this is a different war and not similar to previous rounds of combat. It should be taken into account that political pressure on Israel will increase.”

The UN General Assembly voted in favour of an “immediate humanitarian truce” on Friday, shortly after the Israeli army announced the “expansion” of its ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

The non-binding resolution, which was criticised by Israel and the United States for not referring to the Hamas movement, was supported by 120 members, with 14 voting against and 45 abstaining.

The result showed a split among Western countries, especially in Europe, as France supported the resolution, while Germany, Italy and Britain abstained from voting. Austria joined the United States in voting against the resolution.

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