GlobalWide News
Gideon Rachman The Financial Times: The article argues that supporting Israel and protecting Palestinians are not mutually exclusive policy goals for Western leaders. It observes that the common debate often presents a binary choice: either support Israel, which has recently suffered unprecedented civilian loss, or condemn its actions in Gaza as atrocities. However, the article suggests that many Western policymakers are adopting a different approach, aimed at “hugging them close,” or empathizing with Israel’s security concerns to gain a hearing with its leadership.
This approach is founded on the notion that Israel, “traumatised and frightened,” will be more receptive to humanitarian arguments if they are framed as shared concerns. The article cites recent successes, such as the restoration of water supply in Gaza and safe routes for civilians, as evidence that this more nuanced approach can yield results.
While acknowledging the controversy of such a stance in Europe and elsewhere, the article posits that harsher denunciations of Israel are unlikely to aid suffering Palestinians. It suggests that the emotional and strategic support for Israel does not contradict the aim to mitigate humanitarian issues in Gaza. It concludes by stating that compassion for all sides is not only morally right but also the most practical policy.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.ft.com/content/e0a6da0f-8a66-4154-8122-92f2b578febf
