Global divide deepens as nations take sides in Israel-Hamas war; know which country supports whom

As the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, the world is witnessing a stark division in global opinion. With the death toll surpassing 2,000 on both sides as of Tuesday, countries are declaring their support for either Israel or the Palestinian militant group Hamas. International leaders are issuing statements, reflecting a complex geopolitical landscape in the wake of the ongoing crisis.

Israel's foreign ministry claims that approximately 84 countries have released statements supporting Israel, denouncing the attacks, and asserting Israel's right to self-defence. An Israel's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, stated, "Nearly 84 countries have unequivocally expressed their support for Israel, condemning the attacks and affirming our right to self-defense."

Global leaders express solidarity with Israel

United States:

US President Joe Biden has pledged full support to Israel, stating, "I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel." Biden has ordered the deployment of US ships and warplanes to counter escalating attacks by Hamas.

The United States, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom will remain united and coordinated – together as allies and as common friends to Israel – to ensure Israel can defend itself. pic.twitter.com/aVbfSi4LJy

— President Biden (@POTUS)

Biden, in a formal statement, asserted, "I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel."

United Kingdom:

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressing 'unequivocal' support, conveyed, "The scenes we have seen in Israel over the last 36 hours are truly horrifying. Terrorism will not prevail."

The scenes we have seen in Israel over the last 36 hours are truly horrifying.

I spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu earlier today to assure him of the UK’s steadfast support as Israel defends itself against these attacks.

Terrorism will not prevail. pic.twitter.com/5EGoqiZM8b

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak)

Sunak took to Twitter, stating, "I spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu earlier today to assure him of the UK’s steadfast support as Israel defends itself against these attacks. Terrorism will not prevail."

Australia:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged 'restraint' to protect civilians and blamed Hamas for the violence, condemning its 'indiscriminate' targeting of civilians.

Australia stands with our friend Israel in this time.

We condemn the indiscriminate and abhorrent attacks by Hamas on Israel, its cities and civilians.

We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP)

Albanese emphasised, "We urge restraint to protect the lives of civilians amid ongoing conflict in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip."

France:

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, expressing full solidarity with the people of Israel. Macron stated, "I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel."

I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron)

Macron, in an official statement, expressed, "I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones."

India:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and support to Israel, emphasizing, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families."

Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

PM Modi took to social media, tweeting, "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour."

Several other countries in Europe - Norway Austria, Germany, Poland, Spain and the European Union, as well as Canada have also expressed support for Israel.

Nations backing Palestine stand firm

Iran:

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi supported the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region.

Raisi, quoted by state television, declared, "Iran supports the legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation." Iran has also been accused of funding the Hamas terror group in the weekend surprise attacks.

South Africa:

The African National Congress linked Apartheid South Africa's history to occupied Palestine's reality, supporting the Palestinians' response to the "unlawful Israeli occupation."

In a statement, the African National Congress asserted, "It can no longer be disputed that Apartheid South Africa's history is occupied Palestine's reality."

Qatar:

Qatar held Israel responsible for the escalation, citing ongoing violations of Palestinian rights.

Qatar's official statement declared, "Israel alone bears the responsibility for the current escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people."

Lebanon:

Lebanese Hezbollah congratulated Hamas on its operation, closely following the developments on the Palestinian scene.

Hezbollah, in an official statement, conveyed, "Lebanese Hezbollah congratulated Hamas on the large-scale, heroic operation into Israel."

Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler assured efforts to prevent further escalation, emphasizing support for the Palestinian people.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler communicated, "We continue to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace."

Yemen:

Huthi rebels in Yemen endorsed the "heroic jihadist operation," highlighting Israel's perceived weakness.

In a statement on the Huthi-controlled SABA news agency's website, the Huthi rebels conveyed that the attack highlighted Israel's "weakness, fragility, and impotence."

Russia and China call for ceasefire

Russia expressed deep concern, emphasising the "great danger for the region" posed by the ongoing conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "We believe that it is necessary to bring this situation into a peaceful direction as soon as possible."

China condemned all violence, urging an immediate ceasefire and restoration of peace. China’s foreign ministry on Sunday said, “We call on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and immediately end the hostilities to protect civilians and avoid further deterioration of the situation.”

China's foreign ministry spokesperson later said China is “deeply saddened by civilian casualties caused by the conflict between Palestine and Israel”.