Global South has distanced itself from 'Israel' over Gaza genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Guardian
17 Nov 2023 23:21
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The war on Gaza has prompted increased public awareness and activism, leading to a shifting tide where people are becoming clearer about identifying the oppressor.

Pro-Palestine protesters burn a U.S. flag out of the U.S. embassy in Athens, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 (AP)

Writing for The Guardian on Friday, writer Musab Younis details some of the major geopolitical shifts that have occurred as a result of the war on Gaza.

On October 9, the Israeli security minister's announcement of a "complete siege" on Gaza, coupled with derogatory remarks, calling Palestinians "animals" and denying them food, fuel, and water, went without official protest from Western capitals.

While Palestinians may seem isolated against "Israel's" aggressions, a global perspective reveals overwhelming support for Palestinian self-determination and condemnation of "Israel's" recent aggression on Gaza, Younis says.

About 72% of total UN member states, totaling 139 out of 192, recognize Palestine, including countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and some European nations like Sweden.

This divide reflects a broader split in world opinion, Younis argues, noting that this divide aligns with the historic G77 v G7 division on key international political and economic issues.

Widening North-South gap

The G77, established in 1964 to represent the interests of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, now comprises 135 nations.

In contrast, the G7 created a decade later, represents seven of the wealthiest states, consisting of four Western European countries, the US, Canada, and Japan.

Despite the G77 overwhelmingly supporting Palestinian self-determination, none of the G7 members do.

"Israel", closely associated with the G7, faces criticism in the Global South for its visible ties to Western neo-colonialism.

Memories of colonialism revived

The G7's historical and economic influence, coupled with its opposition to a Gaza ceasefire, sparks resentment in the Global South, Younis says.

Many view the G7 as emblematic of racial and imperial arrogance, representing a small segment of the population dictating global affairs.

"Israel's" history of collaborating with repressive regimes in Latin America, Asia, and Africa further further fuels opposition.

In Latin America, "Israel" supplied arms to oppressive governments, supported white-minority regimes in Africa, and maintained close relations with apartheid South Africa.

"Israel's" alliance with repressive governments in Asia, along with its arms trade, also contributes to its negative reputation across the Global South.

Additionally, racist statements by Israeli officials, such as equating "Israel" and Australia as part of the "white race" in Asia, have been viewed in the context of Israel's alliances with repressive governments.

'Israel' has no legitimacy

Despite "Israel's" historical association with former imperial powers, its alignment with the G7 in the midst of its genocidal campaign has heightened the sense of alienation among the majority of the global population.

The unwavering support from powerful states for "Israel's" crimes in Gaza, described by a former UN official as "a textbook case of genocide," contributes to a perception that the current international order lacks legitimacy.

At the UN, the Indonesian representative warned of heading towards an "international law abyss."

Drawing parallels with historical moments in countries such as South Africa and Vietnam, where public pressure and activism shaped policy despite opposition from Western states, there is a growing sense that a similar moment may be unfolding.

The war on Gaza has prompted increased public awareness and activism, leading to a shifting tide where people are becoming clearer about identifying the oppressor.