President Biden has continued to offer unwavering support for Israeli leaders during the ongoing Gaza war, despite the mounting Palestinian civilian death toll. Experts warn that this is risking long-term damage to the United States’ influence in the Middle East and beyond. Anger over the campaign’s civilian casualties is increasingly being directed at the United States rather than just Israel, leading to tension throughout Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent travels in the Middle East and Asia.
The perceived U.S. acceptance of attacks on civilian areas has significantly diminished America’s influence and may have lasting implications for years to come, according to Arab leaders and analysts. The situation will likely deepen the fallout in the region, and the close ties between the United States and Israel have made many Arab leaders reluctant to align themselves with Washington.
In the wake of massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations around the world, hundreds of thousands of people have voiced criticism against Israel and its American supporters, accusing them of contributing to the death toll of Palestinians.
The international community is drawing lines between the destruction in Gaza and President Biden’s recent visit to Israel, with calls for the U.S. to take responsibility for its most divisive actions on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Russia and China are seizing the opportunity to portray themselves as defenders of Palestinians, using propaganda to amplify the connection between the United States and Israeli actions in Gaza.
The Biden administration’s challenge lies in balancing its support for Israel while addressing the steep civilian toll in Gaza. They are eager for a swift end to Israel’s response to the conflict, and some hope that if the Israeli response ends quickly, the long-term impact on the United States will be minimized.
This crisis is unlike anything seen in recent years, and it is driving a growing sentiment in the developing world that there is a double standard in terms of victims. The toll in Gaza has put U.S. officials in an untenable position, navigating the delicate situation of showing support to Israel while simultaneously addressing the concerns surrounding civilian safety.
The hope is that if the Israeli response ends quickly, the long-term implications for the United States will be lower. Still, questions about the U.S. approach towards the Gaza crisis persists as Arab leaders and demonstrators worldwide continue to voice their condemnation of the American-backed Israeli attacks.
