The Al-Aqsa Flood Operation and the subsequent aggressive incursion by the Zionist regime into the besieged Gaza Strip can be analyzed from various perspectives. A crucial aspect of this protracted conflict, which has endured for a hundred days, is its impact on global public sentiment and the ensuing reactions of people. This report aims to shed light on this particular focus.
Palestine and the Resistance Front’s growth, Israel and its supporters’ decline
While on his fourth tour of West Asia in January 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received warnings from leaders and officials of certain nations regarding the growing anti-American sentiments. These sentiments are linked to the United States' backing of the Zionist regime. An MSNBC report indicates that the escalating anti-Zionist and anti-US sentiments in the Arab world are connected to the severe crises instigated by Israel.
The report highlights negative public opinion even in Jordan, traditionally seen as the United States’ closest Arab ally. Amman’s officials claim a survey in their country shows a 70% level of public support for Hamas. A Washington Institute poll conducted in Saudi Arabia from November 14 to December 6, 2023, found that 91% of Saudi citizens agreed with the statement that, "despite the destruction and loss of life, this war in Gaza is a win for the Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims." Beyond Saudi Arabia and at an Arab world level, nearly 96% agree with the proposal that, "Arab countries should immediately break all diplomatic, political, economic, and any other contacts with Israel, in protest against its military action in Gaza."
During the United Nations General Assembly session on November 29, 2023, 172 countries, accounting for more than 90% of the global population, voted in support of Palestine and the Palestinians' right to self-determination. The emphasis was notably strong on the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation.
Time, in its December 22, 2023 article titled "Inside the Israel-Hamas Information War," discusses US public opinion, citing a survey by the University of Maryland and the Ipsos polling center. The survey indicates a decrease in American support for Israel, falling from 43% in October to 37% in November 2023.
While Europe has struggled among its leaders and policymakers to reach a unanimous consensus for calling a ceasefire and halting Zionist atrocities, there have been numerous and widespread voices opposing the actions of the Zionist regime. Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated on December 14, 2023, that despite differences among EU members, European countries are more than ever demanding a ceasefire in Palestine. The tone of some warnings from Europeans regarding Israel's crimes has also become more forceful. Requests from the foreign ministers of Britain and Germany for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, along with warnings of failure in this war directed at Israel, serve as evidence for this claim. Some examples of public support for Palestine and popular opposition to Israeli crimes from around the world are also demonstrated in what follows.
The West
Even though Western countries, such as the United States, Canada, France, and England, provided political and military support to the Zionist regime, citizens in various cities in these countries organized rallies in support of Palestine. During these demonstrations, people frequently demanded an end to the genocide and the implementation of an immediate, sustainable, and long-term ceasefire. As political leaders in the West persistently backed Israel, citing the occupying regime's right to self-defense, public discontent increased due to the neglect of the atrocities occurring in Palestine.
Thousands marching in France against Israeli attacks and calling for an immediate ceasefire, Sunday, November 11, 2023.
On November 4, 2023, Germans gathered in Berlin to express their support for Palestine. A police spokesperson at the scene reported, “We estimate around 3500 people for the protesters, and others are still arriving.” Many Berlin residents, along with their families and children, participated, chanting slogans like “Save Gaza,” “Stop the genocide,” and “Ceasefire.”
People gathering in Berlin for pro-Palestine demonstration, November 4, 2023.
The support for Palestine in France reached a point where Emmanuel Macron who initially sided with Israel, defending its right to attack Palestine, later changed his stance, expressing concern about the growing civilian casualties. Macron emphasized the need to distinguish between Hamas militants and the general population, calling for a humanitarian pause in Palestine. Israel dismissed this warning, and the following day, Benjamin Netanyahu directly criticized Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of “a grave factual and moral mistake,” stating, “We don't need anyone to preach morality to us.”
London, the capital of Britain, has seen numerous impactful gatherings where people voiced their support for Palestine and denounced Israel's brutal attacks. On Saturday, October 28, a crowd of 100,000 Londoners assembled, as reported by British Police, with images circulating of a multitude of people on Westminster Bridge. Subsequently, on November 11, 2023, another significant assembly took place in London, drawing 300,000 people in support of Palestine.
Pro-Palestine demonstration in London, on Westminster Bridge, Saturday, October 28, 2023.
In its coverage of pro-Palestine protests in the United States, the French news agency L'Humanité noted the increasing opposition to the war in America. The report highlighted the gathering of 500 American Jews in the front of the Statue of Liberty in New York, stating, “Undoubtedly, there is no stronger symbol; on Tuesday, these American Jews called for a ceasefire and an end to the massacre bombings targeting non-combatant Palestinians in Gaza.”
Jewish anti-war activists calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in front of the Statue of Liberty, New York, USA, November 7, 2023.
West Asia and North Africa
In its November 30, 2023 report, Foreign Policy underscored the challenge confronting Jordan’s monarchy regarding the Palestinian issue, noting, “Amid mass pro-Palestine protests, the monarchy is caught between the United States, Israel, and its own people.” This predicament could very well reflect the prevailing sentiments of the people in this country and even the region.
Palestinian supporters in Jordan with the Palestinian flag and a sign reading “America is the head of terrorism,” November 17, 2023.
The cities in Turkey have seen various popular movements condemning Zionist actions. Slogans like “Martyrs never die, and the land will not be divided,” “Traitors will be punished, Israel will be held accountable,” “Israel, the murderer, leave Palestine,” “Our blood, our lives, sacrificed for Al-Aqsa,” and “Hail to Hamas, the Resistance will continue” resonated on the first day of 2024 as people gathered around Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Gathering of people at the Galata Bridge in Istanbul for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Turkey, January 1, 2024.
The Iranian people too have consistently voiced condemnation for the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime, showing solidarity with the people of Palestine. One person expressed, “When I saw that video of the Palestinian newborn baby who was being pulled out from under the rubble, I couldn’t help crying. Muslims all around the world should unite to stop the atrocities of the Zionist regime.” Throughout various cities in Iran, marches have unfolded since the onset of Zionist aggressions, consistently demonstrating support for Palestine, and denouncing Israel's actions.
Pro-Palestine demonstration in Tehran, Iran, October 13, 2023.
Yemen, as one of the Arab nations in the region, has offered varied and unique support for Palestine and the Resistance. Besides military assistance and on the scene efforts, the country has consistently stood with the Palestinian people — physically through rallies and spiritually — calling for an end to the aggressions and occupation by the Zionist regime against the oppressed people of Palestine.
Pro-Palestine demonstration in Sanaa, Yemen, January 5, 2024.
Asia
Normala Sari, an Indonesian housewife who joined a solidarity gathering for Palestine in the city of Medan with her disabled child, shared her sentiments about the events in Palestine and Gaza: “There are deep emotional ties between Indonesia and Palestine that make us so close. … Back in 1945, Palestine told the world that we were free. Palestine was one of the first places to recognize Indonesia as a free country. We are like brothers in that way.”
Throughout numerous Asian countries, the issue of Palestine has not gone unnoticed. Unprecedented and well-attended gatherings have taken place in various countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Korea, and others. These events reflect a strong sense of solidarity and empathy with Palestinians who are experiencing significant hardships and the sorrow of their lands being occupied.
Demanding an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza near the Zionist regime's embassy in Tokyo on November 4, 2023 | Pro-Palestine demonstrations outside the United States Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 17, 2023.
Australia
Reuters reports that following a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, Australia, in November 2023, the country's police, for the first time in two decades, considered applying special stop-and-search powers. Despite this undemocratic measure, which went against the will of the people, Australians continued to show their support for Palestine. This was evident in the pro-Palestine marches that persisted for the 13th consecutive week on January 7, 2024.
Supporters of Palestine gather for demonstration at the Sydney Opera House on October 9, 2023 | Melbourne, Australia hosts the first rally in 2024 backing Palestine.
Ultimately, it can be noted that people globally have encountered new realities, ranging from bitter to unbelievable, distinct from their past experiences. This time, Israel and its allies failed to control the media narratives and manipulate public opinion as they wished, trying to conceal and stifle the truth. The impactful images and news have resonated with freedom-loving individuals, leading to a genuine presence of people in rallies in every corner of the world. As the Leader of Islamic Revolution Imam Khamenei stated during a meeting with students, “The people of Gaza have been able to stir the human conscience with their patience. … In Western countries, in England, in France, in Italy, and in states across the US itself people are coming out in huge numbers to chant slogans against Israel and in many cases against America.”
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