Few countries have been as profoundly affected by the attacks of October 7th and the subsequent Gaza war as Germany. This is not merely a political controversy. It reflects a deeper structural problem: German-Israel policy has long rested on two guiding principles—a particular historical responsibility toward Israel derived from the Holocaust, and a firm commitment to universalist norms, above all international law and human rights.

Over the past two years, Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal countries in supporting the Palestinian cause. While Madrid initially aligned with the prevailing European position, recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense after the 7 October attacks, it soon distinguished itself from most European Union (EU) Member States by questioning and later condemning Israel’s conduct of war in Gaza.

Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, killed over a thousand Israelis, altering irrevocably the way the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is viewed internationally. Australia’s government professed profound shock and disgust at Hamas’s attacks, together with its unwavering diplomatic and political support for Israel. But as Israel’s response became more concerned with exacting revenge and as the pretext to fulfill long-held ideological dreams of a Greater Israel, support from Australia became more muted and conditional. This culminated in Australia joining Britain, France, and Canada in formally recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September 2025.

The Soviet Union (USSR), and subsequently the Russian Federation as its internationally recognized legal successor, has consistently sought to play a visible role in efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.