Over the past year, a remarkable shift has unfolded on the global stage. What once was a landscape dominated by Western support for Israel is now becoming increasingly divided. A growing number of countries mostly from the Global South, but with some surprises are taking coordinated action against Israel, particularly in light of its ongoing military operations in Gaza and its broader treatment of Palestinians.
This isn’t just political rhetoric. Countries are banding together legally, diplomatically, and symbolically in a way that signals a new chapter in global diplomacy. Here’s a breakdown of how this coalition is forming and what it could mean for the future.
The Legal Front: Taking Israel to Court
It all started with a bold legal move: South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Filed in early 2024, the case accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its military operations in Gaza. For many observers, it was a historic moment—an African country invoking international law to hold a powerful state accountable.
South Africa wasn’t alone for long. Countries like Turkey, Malaysia, Namibia, Egypt, and Spain publicly backed the case. Even more significant was the “Hague Group” a loose coalition of about nine countries including Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, and Senegal that started pushing not just for legal action but also for international sanctions, arms embargoes, and recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Some European voices joined in too. Ireland’s Sinn Féin , for example, supported these calls, marking a shift in tone within parts of Europe.
The Sanctions Wave: Words Turn into Action
Supportive statements are one thing, but actual sanctions are another and in June 2025, we saw just that. A group of countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway imposed travel bans and asset freezes on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of inciting violence and promoting extremist policies in the West Bank.
These sanctions were a diplomatic bombshell. While the U.S. distanced itself from the move, calling it “counter-productive,” many hailed it as a long-overdue step toward accountability.
Meanwhile, several Latin American countries including Chile, Colombia, and Bolivia have already recalled their ambassadors from Israel , citing violations of international law and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
The “Axis of Resistance”: A Regional Response with Military Implications
Beyond formal diplomatic channels, there’s also an informal but dangerous alliance forming in the Middle East, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance.” This includes Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah (Lebanon), the Houthis (Yemen), and various Iraqi and Syrian militias.
These groups have escalated their military actions launching drone attacks, disrupting maritime trade, and opening multiple fronts against Israeli forces. While not states, these actors reflect the growing regional anger at Israel’s actions and its Western backers.
Their coordinated efforts signal not just isolated attacks, but a regional strategy to “contain” or pressure Israel from multiple directions.
Global Forums: The United Nations and the Rise of the Global South
At the United Nations, the winds of change are also blowing. A coalition of 50+ countries mostly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America has pushed for arms embargoes, humanitarian resolutions, and recognition of Palestinian statehood. They’ve pressured the UN Security Council and General Assembly to act, though veto powers (especially from the U.S.) remain an obstacle.
Interestingly, BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) issued strong statements condemning violence and supporting Palestinian rights. While not uniform in their positions, they represent a powerful bloc that’s slowly moving away from the traditional Western diplomatic consensus.
The significance
Because this is more than just politics it’s a glimpse into the future of international accountability and global alignment. For decades, Western alliances shaped the rules of global diplomacy. Now, those rules are being tested.
If the ICJ rules against Israel, it could set a legal precedent for future conflicts. If more countries impose sanctions or cut ties, it could isolate Israel diplomatically, forcing a policy shift. And if the military tensions escalate, it risks drawing in the entire Middle East.
At the heart of it all is a fundamental question, Can international law and diplomacy still hold powerful nations accountable? A growing group of countries is betting that the answer is yes and they’re willing to act on it.
Final Thought
Whether one agrees with these moves or not, the message is clear: the world is no longer unified in its support for Israel, and the tide of public and diplomatic opinion is shifting. What comes next could redefine how we think about justice, alliances, and accountability on a global scale.
Sources:
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/will-south-africas-new-coalition-govt-change-tack-on-israel-palestine?utm_
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/coalition-of-countries-organizations-urges-un-security-council-to-halt-arms-transfers-to-israel/3384164?utm_
- https://www.outlookindia.com/international/israel-s-war-on-gaza-which-countries-have-moved-un-courts-icc-against-israel-news-340586?utm_
- https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241002-iran-s-axis-of-resistance-a-coalition-against-israel-us?utm_
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