A seismic shift is underway in global perception of Israel’s war on Gaza. After nearly 22 months of relentless bombardment, what was once called a military campaign is now increasingly labeled as genocide—by lawmakers, human rights organizations, and even former allies of Israel.
This week, Israel faced unprecedented political backlash:
- Human rights groups and Israeli scholars publicly termed the campaign a genocide.
- The governments of France, the UK, and Canada signaled support for Palestinian statehood.
- A majority of Senate Democrats voted to block U.S. weapons sales to Israel.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican hardliner, called it genocide—marking a historic GOP shift.
According to a Gallup poll, U.S. public opinion has turned: 60% of Americans now disapprove of the war, and disapproval of Prime Minister Netanyahu has reached record highs.
“We are witnessing the starvation of civilians as policy,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Congressional Resistance Grows
Senator Bernie Sanders introduced resolutions to block over $675 million in bomb and rifle sales to Israel. Though they failed, support reached historic levels with backing from key Senate leaders. Advocacy groups like IfNotNow mobilized thousands of Americans to pressure lawmakers.
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Former lobbyist Lara Friedman noted a shift: “It’s not just rhetoric anymore. Lawmakers feel supported enough to act.”
Public Outcry Fueled by Starvation Images
Horrific images of emaciated children and aid sites under fire have shaken the American psyche. These visuals have drawn comparisons to Holocaust imagery and triggered reevaluation of unconditional U.S. support for Israel.
Academic Khaled Elgindy stated, “You can’t claim it’s collateral damage anymore. These are deliberate civilian harms.”
A Movement Redefined
Groups like Al-Shabaka, the Arab Center, and the Center for International Policy believe the movement is expanding. Organizers emphasize unity across political ideologies and stress urgency over ideological purity.
“We don’t scold latecomers—we welcome them,” said Matt Duss.
Activists encourage action: pressuring elected officials, protesting arms transfers, and supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Electoral Impact and Democrat Divide
Despite growing public opposition, many Democrats still support arms to Israel, revealing a disconnect. Progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani are reshaping the conversation by openly backing BDS and calling out war crimes.
“There’s only ever been a cost to valuing Palestinian lives. That’s changing,” said Duss.
This could redefine the 2028 U.S. election landscape, as younger voters and Jewish Americans increasingly challenge traditional party stances.
Global Pressure Intensifies
Internationally, countries in The Hague Group and others are blocking arms trade, cutting contracts, and backing ICC and ICJ investigations. Even 600 former Israeli security officials appealed to Donald Trump to stop the war, stating Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat.
The European Union is also reviewing its research funding and trade relations with Israel over alleged war crimes.
What Comes Next?
Despite mounting pressure, both the Biden and Trump administrations continue shielding Israel diplomatically. Trump recently sanctioned the Palestinian Authority for pursuing justice through the UN.
Yet, activists like Morriah Kaplan remain hopeful. “It’s not about one moment; it’s about sustaining momentum. That’s how we win.”
