Contents

International reactions to the Gaza War (2008–2009)

Main article: 2008-2009 Israel-Gaza conflict

International reaction to the 2008-2009 Israel-Gaza conflict came from many countries and international organisations. International reaction to the conflict was also notable in the level of civilian demonstrations all around the world, which in many cases displayed sentiment significantly different from the official government line.^[1][2][3]

Official reactions

Involved parties

Entity	Reactions
Israel	Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said "we tried to avoid, and I think quite successfully, to hit any uninvolved people - we attacked only targets that are part of the Hamas organisations".[4] Arab member of Knesset, Jamal Zahalka, called for indicting the Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, for war crimes against the Palestinian people in a protest Nazareth.[5] Around 150,000 people took part in protests in the Arab city of Sakhnin, condemning "Israeli war crimes" in Gaza and the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.[6]
Palestinian National Authority	President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attacks and called for restraint.[4] Speaking from Cairo, he said Hamas could have avoided the attacks.[7] He further called Israeli attacks "barbaric and criminal aggression", and threatened to cut off negotiations with Israel.[8]
Hamas	Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' leader in Gaza, called Israel's attacks an "ugly massacre".[4] The leader of Hamas in Damascus, Khaled Meshal, threatened revenge attacks, saying "the time for the third Intifada has come".[9]

International Organisations

Organisation	Reactions
Arab League	The Arab League was planning on holding an emergency summit in Cairo on December 28, to discuss the attack.[10] The summit was delayed to January 2, 2009 and will be held in Doha.[11]
European Union	A spokesman for the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Javier Solana, called "for an immediate ceasefire" and urged "everybody to exert maximum restraint".[12] It called for an "unconditional halt" of Hamas rocket attacks and Israeli military action. It also asked for the delivery of food, medical aid and fuel to Gaza, the evacuation of the injured from Gaza, and the permission for humanitarian aid workers to enter area.[13]
Mercosur	Mercosur released an official statement expressing "concern and repudiation towards the spiral of violence and intimidation taking place in the Gaza Strip". The organisation urged "both sides to end hostilities and formulate a call for the immediate resumption of dialogue, so as to ensure peace and justice in the region".[14]
File:Seal of the Organization of American States (English title).svg Organization of American States	The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, expressed today his “absolute rejection” of the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip and urged its immediate halt. At the same time, he called for restoration of the cease-fire, an end to the embargo on the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a new peace initiative.[15]
United Nations	The United Nations - Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spokesperson stated that "the secretary general is deeply alarmed by today’s heavy violence and bloodshed in Gaza, and the continuation of violence in southern Israel". Ban condemned Israel’s "excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians" and ‘the ongoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants’".[16] He appealed for "an immediate halt to all violence [and reiterated] previous calls for humanitarian supplies to be allowed into Gaza to aid the distressed civilian population."[12] The United Nations Security Council called on December 28th "for an immediate halt to all violence".[17] The World Health Organization called on the immediate cessation of violence and the removal of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, warning that the present situation will result in "preventable deaths".[18]
African Union	The African Union released a press statement stating the following: "The Commission of the African Union (AU) is following with great concern the prevailing situation in the Gaza Strip. The Commission strongly condemns the ongoing air raids on the Gaza Strip by Israel, since 27 December 2008, which has resulted so far in the death of more than 300 Palestinians, while about 1,000 others, including women and children, have been injured."[19]

Non-governmental organisations

Organisation	Reactions
Amnesty International	Amnesty International expressed that "It is utterly unacceptable for Israel to continue to purposefully deprive 1.5 million people of food and other basic necessities. Such a policy cannot be justified on any security or other grounds and must end immediately," said Amnesty International. The organisation "also calls once again on Hamas and all other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza to stop firing indiscriminate rockets against towns and villages in southern Israel".[20]
ICRC	The International Committee of the Red Cross called "for restraint as hospitals overwhelmed by scale of emergencies"[21]. Later on, it continued to emphasise its medical and humanitarian concerns.

Countries

Country	Notes
Afghanistan	Afghanistan on described the Israeli attacks against Palestinians in Gaza Strip as barbaric and strongly denounced it. "We strongly condemn the barbaric attacks of Israel forces against civilians and defenseless people of Palestine in Gaza strip," President Hamid Karzai's chief spokesman Hamayon Hamidzada said at a press conference.[22]
Albania	The Ministry of Foreign Affairs "calls upon the parties for tranquility and maturity by expressing its belief that both parties will show self restrain and will turn back to bilateral discussions as the only way for the stabilisation of the situation to the benefit of the two peoples and the whole Middle East region".[23]
Argentina	The government of Argentina called for "a return to dialogue and negotiations without delay" and expressed its "deep regret" over the acts of violence taking place, urging both Israel to "end all bombings on Gaza strip" and Hamas to "end its rocket attacks on Israeli territory". The note from the Foreign Ministry also urged Israel to "allow and preserve permanently the normal flow of supplies and services to fulfill the urgent needs of the population of Gaza" and called for a truce between both parties and a return to negotiations, so that "a fair and lasting peace" could be achieved.[24]
Armenia	The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an statement, declaring: "We are deeply concerned about the events in Gaza Strip, during which hundreds of people have already been killed or wounded. We express hope that the violations will stop and negotiations will immediately start for the solution of all disputable issues in a peaceful way." [25]
Australia	Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that Australia recognizes Israel's right to self-defence, and that ""The escalation in the conflict, following the (action by) Israeli ground forces, underlines the absolute importance of bringing about an effective diplomatic solution." The Australian government has previously condemned Hamas' rocket attacks on Israel, and has not specifically condemned this invasion. [26][27] A press statement from Julia Gillard, deputy Prime Minister, states "While recognising Israel’s right to defend itself from such indiscriminate attacks, the Australian Government supports the United Nations Security Council’s call for an immediate halt to all violence."[28]
Belarus	The Republic of Belarus condemned the use of force "the loss of life among the peaceful population of Palestine and Israel. The conflicting parties should immediately cease hostilities and embark on handling the existing problems by way of negotiations".[29]
Bolivia	The Bolivian government strongly condemned the Israeli air strikes of Palestinian territory of Gaza. Its statement said the successive Israeli air strikes against civilians in the Gaza Strip were crimes and the attacks represent a severe and massive violation of the International Humanitarian Law. [30]
Brazil	The Ministry of External Relations of Brazil issued the following statement: "The Brazilian Government deplores the continued disproportionate actions by the Israeli Government in the Gaza Strip, which have caused, in only 3 days, the deaths of over 300 Palestinians, many of whom were civilians and children. Brazil calls on both parties to cease mutual hostilities immediately".[31]
Brunei Darussalam	His Majesty’s Government condemns the military action taken by Israel in Gaza that has caused the death and injury of so many innocent Palestinians. In expressing its deep regret over such disproportionate use of force against the Palestinian people, Brunei Darussalam is concerned that the deterioration of the situation in Gaza may undermine international efforts to bring about a just and peaceful solution to the conflict. His Majesty’s Government reiterates its long-standing commitment to the rule of international law under the auspices of the United Nations and adds its voice to all those calling for utmost restraint by both sides.".[32]
Bulgaria	Bulgaria's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Sunday, which calls for cease-fire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza Strip. The statement has been announced by the institution's spokesman Dragovest Goranov. "We appeal to the both sides in the conflict avoid violence that has already took many human lives", the statement reads.[33]
Canada	Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Lawrence Cannon, also issued a statement in which he pointed to Israel’s "clear right to defend itself" against continuing attacks by militants he accused of "deliberately" targeting civilians. "First and foremost, those rocket attacks must stop. At the same time, we urge both sides to use all efforts to avoid civilian casualties and to create the conditions to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Gaza". Cannon also urged renewed efforts to reach a truce.[34]
Chile	The Chilean Government formulates a call to an immediate cease of hostilities and provocations, "and deeply regrets the disproportionate use of force by Israel in the Palestinian territories. The Government of Chile reiterates its most absolute conviction that the military solution won't conduct to peace, to which Israelis as well as Palestinians have rights."[35] In a meeting with representatives of both, Jewish and Palestinian communities in Chile, Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley declared that "The Ministry will continue searching for a positive and constructive role. We have asked both communities, with whom we have had meetings here, moderation, and not to help to polarise matters, not escalating a conflict that through radicalisation has no solution".[36] Chilean President Michelle Bachelet defended the government's stand on the Gaza situation. "Our biggest call is to stop all actions from both sides," she said, noting Chile will spare no efforts to facilitate a "reasonable solution."[37]
China	"China expresses serious concern about the escalation of the tense situation in Gaza, denounces actions that cause injuries and deaths to ordinary people, opposes the use of military force in resolving disputes, appeals to related parties to exercise maximum restraint and to settle differences through dialogue", Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a statement posted on the ministry's website.[38] During an official visit to Kuwait, Vice Premier Li Keqiang said he was shocked and seriously concerned by the military operations in Gaza. Keqiang reiterated Chinese calls for an immediate ceasefire and stressed China's support for the peace process, saying, "China supports the efforts made by all parties, especially the Arab countries, to realise a comprehensive, just peace in the region".[39]
Croatia	Croatian President Stjepan Mesić expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Middle East and said that a "solution cannot be reached with wars or shelling civilian targets in Israel, or actions by suicide bombers in which innocent people are killed without exception, or massive military retaliation operations such as the attack on Gaza. Peace and coexistence with the recognition of reality are the only perspective of the Middle East. As a country that considers itself with reason a friend of Israel, but also Arabic countries and the Palestine people, and as a member of the Security Council, Croatia expects the United Nations to undertake urgent, rational and constructive steps to prevent a further escalation of violence in the Middle East.".[40]
Cuba	In a statement issued in Havana, the Cuban Revolutionary Government called the Israeli military operation "criminal", terming it as "the bloodiest attack Israel has ever launched against the Palestinian people".[41]
Cyprus	In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, calls for the immediate termination of acts of violence and of use of disproportionate force. Cyprus underlines the need for the full resumption of the cease-fire (tahdiya) and supports positive efforts of neighboring countries towards this aim. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus stresses the need for the continuation of the direct peace talks of the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships towards a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus expresses its support to the Palestinian Authority and emphasises the prospect of intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts under the mediation of Egypt, considering that there can not be a military solution to the issue of Gaza."[42]
Czech Republic	Czech foreign affairs minister Karel Schwarzenberg said that "Israel has the right to take military action against attacks on locations where its civilians live" and that "no political dialogue is possible because of Hamas's attacks on Israeli settlements. However", Schwarzenberg also said, "it is unfortunate that the living conditions in Gaza are very bad. These conditions need to be changed in such a way that they do not make young people join radical organisations".[43] Schwarzenberg also condemned Hamas' placement of strategic military targets in densely populated areas, and hinted that this likely elevated civilian casualties.[44] Czech prime minister Mirek Topolánek, the current boss of the EU presidency, said through his spokesman for the presidency issues, Mr Jiří Potužník, that he understood the Israeli actions to be defensive in character. Pressure from some old EU member countries has led Mr Potužník to retract the statement and apologise for this actual attitude of the current EU presidency that was not allowed to become the official attitude of the EU.[45]
Denmark	In a press release, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller expressed his concerns for the escalating crisis in Gaza, saying that "The new spiral of violence in the Middle East is deeply disturbing. The spiral of violence was started by Hamas and were yesterday and today disproportionately responded upon by Israel". He also said that "Although Israel has a right to defend itself against terror and terror rockets, civilian casualties are unacceptable". According to the foreign minister, a political agreement the only way forward, concluding that "If the fighting continues, it will only favour Hamas".[46]
Egypt	Egypt condemned the Israeli attacks, but Egypt’s foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that Egypt has long warned Hamas that this would be Israel’s response should Qassam fire continue.[47] As a result of many protests, Egypt opened up the Rafah Border Crossing to allow the wounded into Egyptian hospitals.[48] The Egyptian Ministry of Health sent 30 buses to North Sinai to help transport injured Palestinians.[49] The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Hamas does not allow the wounded Gazans to cross the borders to Egypt.[50] Egypt also deployed 500 CSF anti-riot police along the border.[51]
Estonia	Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia is calling upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to make an effort to resume talks. "Estonia condemns Hamas's decision not to extend the cease-fire agreement and to continue using terrorist methods to achieve its goals," stressed. Also expressed concern over the violence that has erupted in the region and occasioned many civilian deaths and the destruction of buildings and structures. "We are calling for an end to all violence and the restoration of the cease-fire agreement, for currently the number of civilian victims is continuously growing".[52]
Finland	Minister Alexander Stubb, has declared that "Finland condemns the escalation of violence in Gaza and urges the parties to calm down the situation. Finland is particularly worried about the rapid deterioration of the civilian living conditions in Gaza. The Israeli air strikes have demanded a disproportionate amount of civilian victims and they must end immediately. Simultaneously Hamas and other extremist groups must immediately cease their rocket attacks. The parties must reinstate the truce without delay."[53]
France	France’s president Nicolas Sarkozy stated he "firmly condemns the irresponsible provocations that have led to this situation, as well as the disproportionate use of force".[54] France condemned the Israeli ground offensive that was initiated on January 3. [55]
Germany	German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has told Hamas to end what he called its "unacceptable" rocket attacks on Israel, while urging the Jewish state to do everything it could to avoid civilian casualties. [56] German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday said the blame for renewed violence in the Middle East can be pinned on Hamas. Speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by phone, she said responsibility for the three-day-old Israeli air offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip lies "clearly and exclusively" with Hamas, according to government spokesman Thomas Steg.[57]
Greece	Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said Athens is aligned with the European Union presidency's statement over the worrisome developments. "A conflagration in the Middle East amid an international economic recession is a nightmare prospect that must be avoided at all costs ... The international community has a huge responsibility, it cannot remain idle; it must immediately assume initiatives for a de-escalation of tension".[58]
Hungary	The statement of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry is the most important thing the earliest ending of Gaza strip military activities. "The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been following with great attention and concern the latest eruption of violence in the Middle East and the increasing number of casualties". But they also said that『Hungary supports Israel’s right for self-defence within the framework of international law』and "Hungary believes that violence caused by continuous provocations hinders any lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict".[59]
Iceland	Foreign Minister Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said on December 27 that Israel's military operations on the Gaza strip were unjustifiable. Even though Israel faces a threat and Hamas' decision to break the ceasefire was wrong, reactions must be proportionate to the danger as called for by international law, she said. "The international community cannot continue accepting that human rights and international treaties are neglected on the Gaza strip. Iceland supports that the issue be discussed within the [UN] Security Council and that the opposing parties be held responsible for their acts and made hold their commitments."[60]
India	On December 29, India urged Israel to end its military operations against Palestinian civilians and expressed awareness of the "cross-border provocations" that led Israel to mount the operation. It urged an immediate end to Israei "use of force against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip that has resulted in large numbers of casualties."[61]. On December 30, India released a second statement condemning what it called Israel's "disproportionate" and "indiscriminate" use of force, and expressed disappointment at the large number of civilian casualties.[62][63] On January 4, India condemned Israeli ground attack on Gaza.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei issued a religious decree to Muslims around the world on December 28, ordering them to "defend the defenseless women, children and people in Gaza in any way possible", and calling those who die as "martyr[s]".[64]On the other hand, the first Iranian shipment of aid including medicine and food for the Gaza Strip landed in Cairo on December 28.[65] The website of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad[66] is showing a composite picture of scenes from Gaza, crowned by a burning Star of David.
Iraq	The Iraqi government condemned the attack, stating that: "the Iraqi government demands a halt to the military operations, that civilians’ lives are not unnecessarily exposed to danger and requests that the international community honour its responsibilities and take the required measures to stop the attack".[67] The Dawa party of president Nouri al-Maliki called on Islamic countries to cut relations with Israel and end all "secret and public talks" with it, while about 1,000 supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr staged a protest in eastern Baghdad.[68] Ali al-Sistani, has called for decisive action by Arab and Muslim states for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza. Though he condemned the operation, he stated that "supporting our brothers only with words is meaningless, considering the big tragedy they are facing."[69]
Ireland	Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, condemned the Israeli attacks as well as Hamas' rocket firings, and appealed for a stop to violence on both sides.[70]On4 January, 2009 the Minister announced that Ireland would send €500,000 in humanitarian aid to Gaza.[71]
Italy	Minister for Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini spoke by telephone with Livni, and both agreed to limiting civilian casualties.[72] President Giorgio Napolitano discussed the situation during phone talks with his Egyptian and Palestinian counterparts.[73]
Japan	Japan called on Israel to exercise restraint and for Palestinian militants to halt rocket attacks as an Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip killed more than 300 people. "Japan urges both parties to immediately halt the use of force in order not to escalate the violence further", Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said in a statement released late Sunday. Japan also indicated readiness to provide assistance to the Palestinians.[74]
Jordan	King Abdullah II of Jordan urged Israel to "end the Gaza offensive".[75] As an act of protest against the Israeli actions, an Israeli flag was burned on the floor of the Jordanian Parliament. Protests across the Jordanian capital Amman have also occurred daily since the Israeli attacks. Many Jordanians have called on the Government to close the Israeli Embassy in Amman, and requested the recall of the Jordanian ambassador to Israel. As a sign of respect and sorrow for the Palestinian people, many New Year's Eve celebrations across Jordan were called off.[76]. Jordanian Prime Minister Nader Dahabi stated that Amman reserves the right to reexamine its relations with Israel in the wake of its intensified military action on the Gaza Strip. [77]
Lebanon	In Lebanon, dozens of youths set fire to tires in protest in Ein el-Hilweh, a Palestinian refugee camp. They also demanded that Hezbollah renew rocket attacks on Israel.[78] Protestors also demonstrated in front of the Egyptian Embassy against the closed borders at Rafah.[79] Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah urged Egypt to open the Rafah crossing to allow the flow water, food, medicine, and weapons into the Gaza Strip, and also urged the Egyptian Army, intellectuals, and Egyptian people to rally against the Egyptian government.[80]
Libya	Libya, which holds a seat on the United Nations Security Council, is expected to pressure the Council to hold an emergency meeting.[81] Libya sent a plane carrying aid to al-Arish for Gaza.[82]
Malaysia	Malaysia’s Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called upon the United Nations Security Council to take the necessary action following the air strikes by Israel on Gaza and the escalating violence. He also called for an immediate halt to violence, and that a humanitarian disaster must be avoided in Gaza.[83]
Mexico	Mexico called on Sunday for an "immediate" halt to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, where massive air raids have killed over 300 people so far. The Mexican government asked for "an immediate halt to military operations" and expressed "grave concern about the bombings conducted on December 27 by the Israeli army and the excessive use of force", the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement. Mexico "also rejects rockets launched from Gaza on Israeli territory", it added. [84]
Morocco	"The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns the massive Israeli military operations which have claimed, this morning, the lives of dozens of Palestinian brothers in Gaza strip, and strongly condemns the disproportionate use of force and the tragic escalation of violence", a communiqué of the Foreign ministry said on Saturday. "The Kingdom of Morocco calls for the immediate halt of the hostilities which, beyond the significant loss of life, exposes the region once again to escalation, violence and divisions", the document added. [85]
Nicaragua	Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega demanded the Israeli government stop its criminal acts in Gaza. "I want... to ask the international community to make all necessary efforts to stop the criminal acts of the Israeli government against the suffering Palestinian people," Ortega said in a statement. [86]
North Korea	A foreign ministry spokesman of the DPRK "resolutely denounces Israel's killing of unarmed civilians as a crime against humanity, a serious provocation against the Palestinians and other Arab people and an open challenge to the Middle East peace process,"[87]
Norway	Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has said that using warplanes against Gaza is unacceptable, as it is impossible to separate civilians from soldiers in this small area. He also says that Hamas must cease the launching of rockets into Southern Israel.[88] On January 4, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg criticised the Israeli ground offensive into Gaza, calling it "a dramatic escalation". He also urged the UN Security Council to pass a resolution requesting the immediate halt in the fighting. [89] Foreign Minister Støre also criticised the ground offensive, saying that: "This is a dramatic escalation of the conflict. Norway strongly opposes warfare that leads to major civilian suffering, and calls for the troops to be pulled out immediately."[90]
Pakistan	President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have condemned the Israeli attacks in Gaza that killed over 200 people on Saturday and have appealed for cessation of hostilities. [91]President Asif Ali Zardari further said Israel’s air raids on Gaza Strip have "violated the Charter of United Nations". He also urged the entire world to take swift action of Israel’s raids on Gaza as it was as open violation of UN Charter.[92]
Peru	The Government of Peru expresses his deep preoccupation by the situation of violence in Gaza and the south of Israel that has brought consequently the irreparable loss of human lives, and makes a call to the immediate cease of hostilities in this region. The Government of Peru supports recent Official notices of the Secretary General of United Nations and of the Security Council of this international organism with respect to this violent scaling so that, in the brief term, all the involved parts suspend all military activity and the conversations can be reinitiated that allow to lay the way to find solutions to the existing problems in the context of the Israeli relation - Palestine. The Government of Peru makes arrive his more felt condolencias at the families of all the victims and soon formulates votes for a reestablishment of the calm in Gaza and the south of Israel.[93]
Philippines	The Philippines was deeply concerned about the worsening situation in Gaza and southern Israel stating that “The Philippines deplores the continuing violence, rocket attacks and excessive use of force that have already resulted in much damage and suffering and hundreds of casualties, particularly with civilians.” [94]
Poland	Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the following statement:[95] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Gaza and expresses regret over the growing number of civilian casualties. "We condemn rocket attacks against Israel by Hamas. We also find no justification for the scale of military operation taken in response by the Israeli side. We call for immediate cessation of military actions by both sides, resumption of peace negations with a view to establishing a permanent truce".
Qatar	Qatar has condemned the attacks on the Gaza Strip, and has arranged for an extraordinary Arab League summit to be held in Doha on the 2nd of January to discuss a unified Arab stance against the operation.[96] Qatar sent two planes with medicine and food to al-Arish in Egypt for Gaza.[82]
Russia	Russia called for a stop of "large-scale acts of force against the Gaza Strip, which has caused considerable victims and suffering amongst the Palestinian population", but also called for Hamas to "stop shelling Israeli territory".[97] Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added that "the disproportionate use of force by Israel, which causes suffering to the civilian population, can be neither understood nor justified".[98]
Saudi Arabia	Saudi Arabia urged the United States to intervene to end Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling the attacks as "occupation and mistreatment of Palestinians."[99] Saudi police reportedly broke up a pro-Gaza protest on December 29, (though the Interior Ministry denied such an event took place).[100] Awadh Al-Qarni, a Saudi cleric, issued a fatwa permitting the targeting of Israeli interests worldwide in retaliation for the Gaza attack.[64] Saudi Arabia has blamed divisions amongst the Palestinians for the conflict, as well as Hamas for not doing enough to stop Israel or help the people of Gaza.[101]
Slovakia	In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic condemns the escalation of the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza Strip after the unilateral dismissal of the truce by the Palestinian extremists and calls both parties for an immediate halt to the violent actions. MFA calls on Israel to avoid any use of disproportionate force and to consider the risk of an expansion of the conflict in the region."[102]
Singapore	Singapore called on all parties in Gaza to exercise maximum restraint and work towards an early re-establishment of the cease-fire, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday night. "We are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza with mounting civilian casualties and the possibility of a humanitarian catastrophe", a spokesman of the ministry said in the statement. [103]
South Africa	South Africa's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fatima Hajaig has called on Israel to stop military attacks in Gaza and withdraw its forces from the border immediately. "The South African government finds the continued siege on Gaza unacceptable as it does not allow humanitarian relief supply such as medicine, food and water to reach the desperate people of Gaza". She summoned Israel's ambassador to a meeting to express the South African government's "grave concern" at the Israeli army's "brutal assault" on Palestinians in Gaza. [104] "The South African government unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns the escalation of violence on the part of Israel brought about by the launching Saturday night of a ground invasion into Gaza," read a statement issued by the foreign affairs department after the begin of israels ground offensive.[105]
South Korea	The Government of the Republic of Korea is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in and around the Gaza Strip following Hamas's recent attack and Israel's subsequent air-strikes and regrets the large casualties that have resulted from the collisions. [106]
Spain	The Spanish government Sunday condemned Israel for its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and called on Israel to end the act of violence. The condemnation and call were made by Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos in a statement.[107] Spain offered the International Committee of the Red Cross two trucks of humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza.[108]
Sri Lanka	In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, the government "calls upon all parties concerned to end the violence, to ensure a climate conducive for the re-commencement of negotiations to find a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Sri Lanka has been a consistent advocate for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian State within secure borders to co-exist in peace with its neighbours. Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and work towards immediate de-escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.[109]
Sudan	The Sudanese government strongly condemned Israeli air raids and called on the UN Security Council and the world society to shoulder their responsibility and exert pressures on Israel to stop the aggressions and lift its blockade against the Palestinian people. The ruling National Congress Party issued a statement, denouncing that the Israeli aggressions using the American weapons has demonstrated the savagery and barbarianism of the military mechanism of Israel.[110] Protesters in Sudan condemned Arab leaders and demanded that they "show Gaza support".[111] Thousands of Sudanese marched towards the Egyptian embassy in Khartoum calling for an opening of Rafah crossing.[68]
Sweden	Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has said that he hopes both sides will stop the bombings. He also stated that the current isolation of Gaza should end, calling it "counterproductive" for the Israeli side. Bildt says that Hamas should have agreed to a continued cease-fire agreement.[112]
Switzerland	On December 27, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement of its "concern over the most recent escalation of violence in the Gaza strip"[113] and called "for an immediate end to the acts of violence which are intensifying the suffering of the civil population"[114]. It condemned the rocket attacks from Gaza that have taken place since the end of the truce as an "untenable burden" to Israel's civilian population. Though its right to self defence was acknowledged, the reaction of the armed forces of Israel was condemned as "disproportional". The FDFA considered recent events to be "serious violations of humanitarian law, which prohibits in particular acts of violence against civilian populations" and called upon all conflicting parties to respect their obligation to respect the Geneva Convention, especially as to refrain from acts of violence against civilian populations[115].
Syria	Syria condemned the acts, calling them a "heinous crime and convicted terrorist act".[116]Inal-Yarmouk camp, outside Damascus, dozens of Palestinian protesters vowed to continue fighting Israel. A Syrian official said his government was canceling Turkish-brokered Middle East peace talks because of Damascus' anger about the Gaza offensive.[117]
Thailand	Thailand called on Monday for Hamas to stop its rocket attacks and for Israel to cease its retaliatory air strikes. "The Royal Thai Government is gravely concerned with the escalating situation of violence in the Gaza Strip causing loss of civilians' lives and damages to public infrastructures", said a statement by the Foreign Ministry. [118]
Tunisia	The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following statement: "Tunisia expresses its deep concern following the Israeli air raids in the Gaza strip which have caused scores of victims among the brotherly Palestinian people. Tunisia condemns this dangerous escalation and reaffirms its call to the international community, and notably the influential powers, for an urgent and energetic intervention, to stop the Israeli aggression, offer the necessary protection to the Palestinian people and put an end to its suffering. Tunisia also stresses that these acts, are likely to increase the tension, aggravate the situation and endanger all the efforts exerted to establish peace, security and stability in the region".[119]
Turkey	Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that "Israel’s bombardment of Gaza shows disrespect to the Turkish Republic. We were planning to schedule peace talks between Syria and Israel. Whatever the reason is, killing innocent civilians will damage peace in the world".[120] President of Turkish Republic Abdullah Gül called attacks "irresponsibility" and declared that the Turkish Republic is watching events closely.[120] The Minister of International Affairs Ali Babacan asked the United Nations Security Council to take action immediately.[121] The president of the CHP main opposition party Deniz Baykal said: "the attacks are taking place just before the presidential inauguration in the USA. The timing of these attacks demands attention". Thousands of people marched at Istiklal and İstanbul Beyazıt Avenues in Istanbul, İzmir Basmane Avenue in Izmir, in front of Antalya Murattpaşa Mosque in Antalya, Erzincan Cumhuriyet Avenue in Erzincan, and hundreds of people gathered in front of the Israeli Embassy in Ankara. The Turkish Red Crescent has sent fifteen trucks filled with humanitarian aid.[120]
United Kingdom	The United Kingdom's government called for "maximum restraint to avoid further civilian casualties" and for an "immediate halt to violence"[122] and on the other side for "militants in the Gaza Strip to immediately cease all rocket attacks on Israel".[12] Up to 1,500 protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in London shouting: "Five, six, seven, eight — Israel is a terror state".[123] Some of the protesters attempted to break into the embassy before being pushed back by riot police.[123] The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband also warned that Israel's attack might encourage further extremism.[124]
United States	The United States condemned Hamas, saying that "Hamas' continued rocket attacks into Israel must cease if the violence is to stop", but also urging "Israel to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza".[125] The U.S. called for an immediate cease-fire, including the termination of rocket attacks against Israel, also asking that the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza be addressed.[12][126] "At the United Nations, the United States thwarted an effort by Libya to persuade the Security Council to call for an immediate ceasefire, diplomats said."[127]
United Arab Emirates	In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the UAE voiced its support for holding an emergency Arab League meeting, WAM reported. In a phone conversation, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, the situation in Gaza in view of the Israeli attacks. The UAE also condemned the Israeli government and called for an immediate ceasefire. The Emirate of Dubai also condemned the attacks and cancelled all New Years celebrations in a supposed stand of solidarity with the people of Gaza. [128]
Venezuela	President Hugo Chavez, representing the voice of the Venezuelan government, expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian peoples and proposes "a massive campaign to condemn the violent actions [by Israel] where they try to annihilate the life expectancy of a whole race".[129]
Vietnam	A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "We condemn all actions of military attack causing great losses in humans and property for civilians, particularly at the Gaza Strip. Vietnam calls upon all the parties to refrain themselves, stop violence and resume the ceasefire agreement soon".[130]
Yemen	Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh condemned the Israeli raids as a “barbaric aggression”.[131]

Other sovereign entities

Entity	Notes
Holy See	At the end of his December 28 Angelus Address, Pope Benedict XVI launched an urgent appeal for peace in the Holy Land.[132] A spokesman commented, "Hamas is a prisoner to a logic of hate, Israel to a logic of faith in force as the best response to hate. One must continue to search for a different way out, even if that may seem impossible".[133]

Humanitarian aid

•  European Union - 3 million euros (some 4.2million U.S. dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid.^[134]
•  Australia - Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement "As part of its commitment to help support people caught up in the conflict, the Australian government will make an immediate commitment of AU$5 million (US$3.5 million) in additional assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip and stands ready to consider further assistance in the future".^[135]
•  China - offered US$ 1 million in emergency humanitarian aid for the Palestinian National Authority to buy urgently needed material.^[136]
•  Estonia - US$ 100,000 through the United Nations.^[137]
•  Germany - offered more than €11 million ($15.3 million) for humanitarian efforts in Gaza.^[138]
•  Indonesia - US$ 1 million and two tones of medical supplies provided by the Government.^[139] Islamic organizations in Indonesia have dispatched humanitarian aid to Gaza, worth US$ 200,000.^[140]
•  Iran - said it had dispatched planeload of aid, including medicine, to Gaza and a ship was also carrying aid to the Gaza Strip.^[141]
•  Ireland - €500,000 in humanitarian aid to Gaza.^[142]
•  Japan - pledged US$ 10 million in humanitarian aid. ^[143]
•  Lebanon - US$ 1 million.^[144]
•  Libya - sent a plane carrying aid to al-Arish for Gaza.^[82]
•  Malaysia - US$ 1 million through Mercy Malaysia.^[145]
•  New Zealand - The Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement saying that New Zealand makes an annual contribution to the United Nations Emergency Relief Fund and that for now it considers it to be adequate so there will be no additional aid to the Middle East.^[146]
•  Norway - as one of the first Western states to recognise the Hamas-led government in 2007, Norway offered 30 million crowns (US$4.32 million) in "immediate aid" to Gaza.^[147]
•  Russia - 60 tons of tents, medicines and food.^[148]
•  Saudi Arabia - launched "the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Campaign to Provide Humanitarian Relief to the Palestinian People in Gaza." This effort is a nationwide endeavor which is coordinated by a number of entities, including representative of the provincial governments.^[149]
•  South Korea - US$ 300,000 ^[150]
•  Spain - offered the International Committee of the Red Cross two trucks of humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza.^[151]
•  Turkey - 11000 boxes of food and 100 Trucks of medicine,food and drug supplied through Turkish Red Crescent. Also donated 5 ambulances.^[152]
•  UAE - US$ 5.5 million collected through Red Cross and medicine.^[153]
•  United Kingdom - £7 million (US$10 million) worth of emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza.^[154]

Civilian demonstrations and protests

Many demonstrations against the strikes occurred in cities around the world,^[155] and in Israel protests both for and against the strikes were held.^[156][157] In Egypt, the protests caused the government to reopen the Rafah border crossing to allow the delivery of food and medicine to the Gaza Strip.^[158]

Anti-Israel demonstrations

Protests were held in the following cities:

Note: The table can be sorted alphabetically or chronologically using the "><" icon.

Location	Country	Size	Notes
Albuquerque[159]	USA
Aleppo[160]	Syria	500~
Algiers[161]	Algeria	100
Amman[162]	Jordan	30,000~	1,500 protesters gathered in front of the Israeli embassy and police fired tear gas at several protesters hurling rocks; 30,000 at a stadium.[163]
Amsterdam[164]	Netherlands	1,500
Anchorage[159]	USA
Ankara[165]	Turkey	5,000
Ann Arbor[159]	USA
Arish[163]	Egypt	3,000
Atlanta[159]	USA
Athens[166][167]	Greece	5,000	Riot police fired tear gas to stop protesters from hurling rocks at the Israeli Embassy.
Baghdad[168]	Iraq	1,000
Baltimore[159]	USA
Bangor[169]	UK	100
Beirut	Lebanon
Belgrade[170]	Serbia	few hundred
Bellingham[159]	USA
Berlin[166][167]	Germany	7,000~
Bern[171]	Switzerland	800
Bogotá[172][173]	Colombia	200	On 31 December 2008, a protest was held in front of the Israeli embassy[172]. On 2 January 2009, a march from Plaza de Bolívar to the Israeli embassy took place[173]. Another demonstration is scheduled for 6 January[174].
Bordeaux[175]	France	300~
Boston[159]	USA	1,000~
Bradford[176]	UK
Brasília[177]	Brazil
Bristol[176]	UK
Brussels[178]	Belgium	1000~	1000 protestors according to the police, 3000 according to the organisers.
Budapest[179]	Hungary
Buffalo[159]	USA
Caernarfon[176]	UK
Cairo[162]	Egypt
Charikar[180]	Afghanistan
Chicago[159][181][182][183]	USA	4,050~
Cincinnati[159]	USA
Cleveland[159]	USA
Colorado Springs[159]	USA
Columbia[184]	USA
Concord[159]	USA
Copenhagen[4]	Denmark	2000~
Cork[185]	Ireland
Dallas[186]	USA	900~
Damascus[162]	Syria
Dar es Salaam	Tanzania	10,000~
Dearborn[159]	USA	3,000~
Denver[159]	USA
Denizli[187]	Turkey
Dhaka[188]	Bangladesh
Diyarbakir[189]	Turkey	50,000	The demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel both in Turkish and Kurdish.[189]
Doha[190]	Qatar	15,000
Dublin[191]	Ireland	1,000	Israeli flag burned outside Leinster House, one man attempted to set himself on fire.[185]
Duesseldorf[167]	Germany	4,000
Edinburgh[176]	UK
Eugene, Oregon[192]	USA
Exeter[176]	UK
Flint[159]	USA
Fort Lauderdale[159]	USA
Frankfurt[167]	Germany	5,000
Galway[191]	Ireland	250
Geneva[193]	Switzerland	1000
Glasgow[176]	UK
Hebron	Palestine[194]
Haifa[156]	Israel	100	Students protested at Haifa University.
Honolulu[159]	USA
Houston[159]	USA
Hyderabad[195]	India	250	Attempts to burn Olmert in effigy were prevented
Hull[176]	UK
Islamabad-Rawalpindi[196]	Pakistan
Istanbul[189]	Turkey	200,000	Around 200,000 people attended the protests at the sprawling Caglayan square in central Istanbul, waving the Turkish and Palestinian flag, the protesters chanted "Damn Israel" as they burnt Israeli flags.[189]
Jakarta[162]	Indonesia	10,000~
Jalalabad[180]	Afghanistan
Jerusalem[156]	Israel	200	Arab Israeli and Jewish students protested at the Hebrew University.
Johannesburg[197]	South Africa
Kabul[180][162]	Afghanistan
Kailua[159]	USA
Kalamazoo[159]	USA
Kayseri[187]	Turkey
Khartoum[163]	Sudan
Kolkata[198]	India
Knoxville[159]	USA
Kota Bharu[199]	Malaysia	1,000
Kuwait City[200]	Kuwait	2,000
Lahore[201]	Pakistan
Leeds[176]	UK
Lima[202]	Peru
Limerick[185]	Ireland
Liverpool[176]	UK
London [203]	Canada	300~
London[204][166][176][205]	UK	12,000~	Armed police had to protect the Israeli embassy from a crowd of over 5000 people, dominated by young British Muslims. Protesters threw shoes at government buildings. Among the protesters were politicians Clare Short, Tony Benn and George Galloway, comedian Alexei Sayle and musician Annie Lennox
Los Angeles[161]	USA	350~	Protestors demonstrated peacefully near the Israeli Consulate. A separate demonstration in Westwood was attended by around 100.
Louisville[159]	USA
Lyon[175]	France	300~
Madrid[185][167]	Spain	1,000
Malmo[167]	Sweden
Manama[206]	Bahrain	2,500
Manchester[176]	UK
Manila[188]	Philippines
Milan[185]	Italy	1,000
Minneapolis[207]	USA	40
Modesto[159]	USA
Mombasa[162]	Kenya
Montpellier[175]	France	300~
Montreal[208]	Canada
Moscow[162]	Russia	37	The protest by 37 Palestinians, Azeris and Russian Muslims was not sanctioned, and they were subsequently detained.[209]
Mosul[210]	Iraq		The protest was targeted by a suicide bomber, killing 1 and wounding 16.
Nairobi[211][163]	Kenya
Nancy[175]	France	300~
Nantes[161]	France	700
New Brunswick[159]	USA
Newcastle[176]	UK
New Delhi[198]	India
New Haven[212]	USA
New York City[159]	USA	22,000
Nice[213]	France	200
Nicosia[167]	Cyprus	2,000	Demonstrators pelted riot police with rocks, sticks, shoes and oranges near the Israeli Embassy.
Norfolk[159]	USA
Norwich[176]	UK
Nouakchott[214]	Mauritania
Ocala[159]	USA
Oslo [215][216][217][218]	Norway	2,000~	1000 protested on December 29 outside Israeli embassy. Protest turned violent when 100 began throwing Molotov cocktails, stones and fired fireworks, 4 were arrested. Several thousand peacefully protested outside Israeli embassy on January 3. The Blitz movement and Palestine Comittee protested on January 4 outside the Israeli embassy. Protest turned violent, and police dispersed the protest using tear gas, after deeming it illegal.
Ottawa[219]	Canada	300	Estimate of 500 protesters was also given. Organised by Palestinian and Jewish Canadians.[220]
Panama City[161]	Panama	200	Protesters gathered outside Israeli embassy.
Paris[221][166]	France	21,000	A group of 500 protesters burned Israeli flags, set fire to at least 3 cars and smashed shop and cafe windows.
Philadelphia[159]	USA
Phoenix[159]	USA
Portland[159]	USA
Portsmouth[176]	UK	500
Portsmouth[159]	USA
Prague[222]	Czech Republic
Qalqilya[223]	Palestine	Shooting	A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli troops who confronted youths protesting against the Israeli operation.
Rabat[224]	Morocco
Ramallah[162]	Palestine
Rochester[159]	USA
Sacramento[159]	USA
Sakhnin[225][226]	Israel	150,000	Others estimate the number was 100,000.[227]
Salzburg[167]	Austria	2,500
San Diego	USA	500
San Francisco[159]	USA	10,000
San Jose[159]	USA
Sana'a[82]	Yemen	10,000+	Tens of thousands of people marched, many carrying banners condemning Israel and what they called "Arab silence" over the "extermination of the Palestinian people by the Zionist enemy".
Santa Rosa[159]	USA
Santiago[228]	Chile	500
São Paulo	Brazil
Sde Dov[229]	Israel	21
Seattle[159]	USA
Seoul[230]	South Korea
Sheffield[176]	UK
Sidon[168]	Lebanon	3,000
Sioux Falls[159]	USA
Sligo[185]	Ireland
Sofia[231]	Bulgaria	500	While carrying pro-Palestinian banners, protests called for peace.
Srinagar[188]	India
Stockholm[232]	Sweden
Surabaya[233]	Indonesia
Swansea[176]	UK	200
Sydney[188]	Australia	4,000
Syracuse[159]	USA
Tacoma[159]	USA
Tampa[159]	USA
Tehran[162][234]	Iran	6,000
Thessaloniki[168]	Greece	1,000
Tel Aviv[156]	Israel	200	Students protested at Tel Aviv University.
Tokyo[235][236]	Japan	200	Protesting Israeli attacks, and chanting "end the massacre in Gaza", protesters carried flowers and candles to the Israeli embassy, offered prayers and a Buddhist monk rang a bell for the victims.
Toronto[237][238]	Canada	2,000	The first protest, held on December 28, attracted 800 people.
Toulouse[175]	France	300~
Tunbridge Wells[176]	UK
Turin[185]	Italy	1,000
Umm al-Fahm[239]	Israel		During the demonstration one of the protesters fired random gunshots and hit two children lightly injuring them.
Uppsala[167]	Sweden
Vienna[240][222][241]	Austria	5,000	Demonstration against Israel largely peaceful.
Warwick[242]	UK	0	The planned protest at Warwick University failed to materialise.
Washington, DC[159]	USA	5,000
York[176]	UK
Youngstown[159]	USA
Zagreb[243]	Croatia
Zürich[244]	Switzerland	600	The president of the Swiss foreign policy commission also participated as a private citizen.

Pro-Israel demonstrations

Note: The table can be sorted alphabetically or chronologically using the "><" icon.

Location	Country	Size	Notes
Boston[245]	USA
Haifa[156]	Israel	200	Students counterprotested at Haifa University, supporting the operation.
Harlem	USA	1,000	1,000 christian worshipers led by Bishop Carlton Brown pray for Israel. Israel's consul-general in New York reads out Gilad Shalit's children's story.[246]
Jerusalem[156]	Israel	500~	100 students counterprotested at the Hebrew University, supporting the operation. Several hundred people prayed for the wellbeing of IDF soldiers and the residents of Israel's southern communities at the Western Wall.[247]
Los Angeles[161]	USA	250~
Melbourne[248]	Australia	500
Miami Beach[249]	USA	1,000+
New York City[245]	USA
Paris	France	4,000	According to organisers, about 12,000 demonstrators gathered[250].
San Francisco[245]	USA
Tel Aviv[156]	Israel	100~	Students counterprotested at Tel Aviv University, supporting the operation.
Toronto[251]	Canada	200

Violence

Location	Country	Nature of attack	Details
Ramallah	Palestine	Shooting dead	Israeli troops shot dead a protester
Antwerp	Belgium	Anti-Jewish incitement	Anti-Jewish slogans, such as “Jews out”, were made during a protest demonstration. Afterwards, hundreds of protesters tried to march towards the Jewish neighborhood but were held off by police.[252]
Broughton Park[253]	UK	Daubings
Chicago	USA	Arson	A molotov cocktail was thrown at Temple Sholom of Chicago; no serious damage resulted.[254]
Finchley	UK	Daubing	Daubing outside Finchley Synagogue.[253]
Golders Green	UK	Rampage and daubings	15 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rampaged through the heart of the Jewish community; 1 man assulted; “Jihad for Israel” and similar daubings.[253]
Kedumim[255]	Israel	Stabbing
Los Angeles	USA	Offensive postings	Anti-Israel and pro-Hamas placards were posted at two synagogues.[256]
Modi'in Illit	Israel	Stabbing	A Palestinian laborer stabbed and wounded four Israelis. [257]
Odense	Denmark	Shooting	Two Israelis sustain light wounds after Arab assailants fire at them.[258][259]
Rada'a	Yemen	Physical assault	Some Jewish kids were injured, one seriously, when Muslim students threw stones at them.[260] Anti-Israel protesters also attacked several Jewish homes, smashing windows and pelting them with rocks.[261]
Paris	France	Vandalism and daubings	A rabbi's car was vandalised, and anti-Jewish graffiti was drawn on the wall of a shopping center.[175]
Stamford Hill[253]	UK	Daubings
Temple Fortune	UK	Daubings	Graffiti reading 'Jihad 4 Israel' and 'Kill Jews' daubed on a bus stop.[262]

See also

• Reaction to 2006 Israel-Gaza conflict
• International reaction to the Christmas massacres in the Democratic Republic of Congo

References