— There is popular support for the Palestinians in large parts of the Middle East – where no distinction is necessarily made between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, states political scientist Isabell Schierenbeck, professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg.
Residents of the region have followed with horror the news of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, Israel’s subsequent bombings and total siege of Gaza – which means that no food, water, medicine or fuel is allowed across the border.
Explosion at a hospital in Gaza on Tuesday, which claimed a large number of civilian lives, was the final straw for many – although it is still unclear who is behind it.
Protest on the “Day of Wrath”
Many people followed the call of the Lebanon-based and Hamas-allied Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah to demonstrate a “day of wrath” after the blast. Protests took place in the West Bank, Jordan, Iran, Algeria, Turkey and Lebanon, among others – where hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces. Several European capitals have also been rocked by protests.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the Algerian capital, Algiers. The photo was taken last Thursday.
The demonstrations are reported to worry leaders in the Arab world, several of whom have begun to thaw relations with Israel. That action now ends up in a more negative light.
“The rapprochement between Israel and a number of Arab states in recent years is not seen as something positive by a large part of the population,” says Isabell Schierenbeck.
Whether a more extensive popular uprising can lead to a real threat to the countries’ regimes is, however, doubtful, she admits. However, such can create problems for the leadership, which must relate to the population and public opinion.
— The monopoly of power, not least when it comes to the military and police, in these authoritarian countries is consolidated. There are strong structures that fight back against popular opposition, whatever it is, says Schierenbeck.
“Impossible” to continue
During the week, it was announced that Saudi Arabia is canceling the talks that took place during the autumn with Israel regarding the normalization of contacts between the countries, which currently do not have any diplomatic relations.
Both parties had previously expressed optimism about the possibility of a historic agreement. In September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that there was a chance for “historic peace” between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
In the current situation, a continued dialogue is an unsustainable scenario, according to Schierenbeck.
— As long as Israel attacks Gaza by air and possibly also via a ground invasion, it is impossible for Saudi Arabia to continue holding that type of conversation.
Palestinian students living in southern Lebanon demonstrate in solidarity with Gaza’s war-affected population. Difficult balancing act
For some other Arab states, the war between Hamas and Israel means more of a diplomatic balancing act.
“Several Arab countries try to balance in their statements that they stand behind the Palestinians’ right to resist and to a future state – while being careful to point out that they condemn Hamas’ attack on civilians in Israel and Israel’s bombing of Gaza,” says Isabell Schierenbeck .
— And there are nuances in how the leaders of the various Arab states express themselves on this issue. It is important to see the complexity and not lump the states together.