Israel’s deadly attack on an aid convoy in Gaza, in which 7 aid workers died, will most certainly lead to even less emergency aid reaching Gazans. A human disaster that only gets worse, when most didn’t think it could get any worse.
But in the wake of the three fatal car bombings, there is yet another possible crossroads: Israel and its friends in the West.
Supported through thick and thin for decades
Many Western countries, led by the United States, have supported Israel through thick and thin for decades. They may not have turned a blind eye, but neither have they looked too closely at accusations of excessive violence, illegal settlements or a fenced Gaza.
In exchange, they have had a friend in the Middle East, often called the only democracy in the midst of other authoritarian countries. A good friend who was able to offer strong economic connections, good tourism and a spy’s eye to count on terrorist groups.
When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 and killed around 1,100 people, the support was enormous from the US as well as the EU and many other countries.
Netanyahu and Biden’s relationship extremely strained
But in recent months, more and more countries have grown weary of the growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza, the threat of invading Rafah in southern Gaza, home to 1.2 million internally displaced people, and the difficulties in getting in emergency aid. Not least Israel’s dearest friend the USA has expressed strong criticism.
The relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Biden has appeared extremely strained. But while the diplomatic and political tone has been bitter, military support has continued for Israel. Most recently, the Biden administration has pushed for 50 F15 fighter jets to be sold to Israel. A huge deal that does not seem to be affected by the fact that the two leaders dislike each other.
Old friendships can probably rust
But after the Israeli military’s attack on the World Central Kitchen’s aid convoy, pressure is mounting to halt the arms trade with Israel. In Great Britain, 600 renowned lawyers and legal experts have now signed a 17-page long letter that the arms trade with Israel should be stopped in order not to facilitate a genocide.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Council will discuss a draft resolution on Friday with demands for an international arms embargo against Israel. The initiative comes from Pakistan and is supported by around 50 countries.
It is still only suggestions and talk, moreover, from countries that are not responsible for the largest arms supply to Israel, but it has a high symbolic value.
Old love never rusts, but old friendship probably can.