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Israel risks pariah status as castigation over Gaza war by its allies, UN members escalates
- The US, Australia and India are among Israel’s long-time allies that have objected to the mounting casualties and escalation in the Gaza war
- Israel’s increasing international isolation could also derail efforts by the US to partner Arab states against Iran, Russia and China
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Concern is growing in Israel and the United States that Washington’s long-time ally has become diplomatically isolated over its war conduct in Gaza and could be on a path to becoming an international pariah.
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Israel’s journey down that road could begin if it launches a full-blown military offensive in the southern Gaza area of Rafah bordering Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, US and Arab ministers have warned.
Since its forces entered parts of Rafah last week, Israel has seen an overwhelming majority of United Nations member states – including key allies in Asia and the Pacific – approve a symbolic resolution earlier this month declaring that Palestine qualified for full membership.
Australia, another long-standing Israeli ally, has said it is actively considering recognising Palestine as a state. Several European Union members led by Ireland, Spain and Slovenia plan to issue a similar declaration later this month.
As international pressure mounted on Israel to drop its refusal to negotiate a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, the country was censured by its American allies.
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In a report submitted to Congress, the US State Department concluded that Israel had probably violated international humanitarian and human rights laws whilst using American weapons during military operations in Gaza and security crackdowns against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, South Africa asked the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday to order Israel to immediately withdraw and cease its offensive in Rafah, and relinquish control of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings with Egypt to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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