URGENT UPDATE: Just announced, Western nations are ramping up pressure on Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated the Israeli cabinet has “lost its reason and humanity,” echoing a growing global demand for accountability.
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant in the conflict, many Western countries are recognizing the state of Palestine, with more actions expected before the upcoming UN General Assembly in September 2023. This shift marks a significant moment in international relations, as leaders emphasize the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that without action, “there will be no Palestine left to recognize.” This stark message highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate international intervention.
Recent actions have already begun to reshape diplomatic ties. Germany has temporarily suspended military exports to Israel, while Slovenia has banned all weapons trade with the nation. This aligns with calls from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for the European Union to suspend its trade deal with Israel due to human rights violations. However, total suspension would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU members. A partial suspension could occur if just 15 agree.
The United States, Israel’s staunch ally, is also facing pressure from within. Prominent figures in the GOP, including Donald Trump and congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, are increasingly questioning America’s unwavering support for Israel. This shift in public sentiment could compel the U.S. to reassess its position on the two-state solution.
Additionally, an oil embargo targeting Israel and its supporters has been suggested as a potential leverage point. Israel’s reliance on imports for approximately 75% of its crude oil from countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Gabon makes it vulnerable to economic pressure. Historical precedents, such as the successful OPEC embargo in 1973, demonstrate the potential effectiveness of this strategy.
The UN General Assembly meeting next month presents another opportunity for action. Francisca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has advocated for suspending Israel from the UN. Although this requires a recommendation from the Security Council, it remains a viable tool for the international community to apply pressure.
These developments come amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian needs in Gaza, where civilians continue to suffer. The urgent question remains: will Western nations move beyond mere recognition of Palestine to implement these significant measures? The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, with the potential for monumental shifts in policy on the horizon.
As the September deadline approaches, the world awaits concrete actions that could redefine the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The call for a two-state solution has never been more pressing, and the actions of Western nations in the coming weeks could determine the pathway forward.
