Thu Oct 03 13:27:17 UTC 2024: ## Arab World Divided: Grassroots Support for Palestinians Rises, but Governments Remain Cautious

**AMMAN, Jordan –** One year into the devastating conflict in Gaza, a surge of grassroots support for Palestinians has swept across the Arab world. However, despite the outpouring of public sentiment, Arab governments have largely remained unmoved, opting to prioritize their own interests over popular demands for stronger action against Israel.

While governments routinely condemn Israel’s military offensive – triggered by Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023 – nations with diplomatic ties to Israel have not made significant changes to their policies. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also spilled into Lebanon and Iran’s missile strike on Israel raises fears of further escalation, forcing Arab governments to navigate a precarious balancing act.

“Our government, just like other Arab governments, has ignored the demands of its people, including the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador,” stated Ahmed, a 27-year-old Bahraini at a September rally in Manama.

Bahrain, along with Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates, established diplomatic ties with Israel under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. These countries prioritize diplomatic and military support from Israel. Similarly, Egypt and Jordan, which signed peace deals with Israel in 1979 and 1994 respectively, have not reconsidered their agreements despite condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Only Saudi Arabia has taken a visible stance, halting normalization talks with Israel unless a Palestinian state is recognized.

The Gaza war has ignited rare protests in a region where autocratic governments typically suppress dissent. Protests have erupted in Amman, Bahrain, and Morocco, with signs reading “Normalization is treason.”

Analysts attribute the cautious approach of Arab governments to their own strategic interests, including security, diplomatic, and military gains from ties with Israel. They also fear setting a dangerous precedent by succumbing to popular pressure, especially after the Arab Spring uprisings.

“None of them are considering reneging on that based on the wars,” said Hussein Ibish, an analyst at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

Meanwhile, Egyptians have turned to boycotts against companies perceived as pro-Israel, reflecting the deep public sympathy for the Palestinian cause. While these campaigns might not have immediate impact, analysts believe they could have significant long-term implications.

“There are generations that came of age after the Arab Spring, who have never known the possibility of free expression… who are having their political awakening through the Palestinian cause,” said Riccardo Fabiani, North Africa director at the International Crisis Group.

The conflict continues to fuel tensions across the region, highlighting the delicate balancing act faced by Arab leaders. Their response to the growing public pressure will be crucial in determining the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the relationship between Arab governments and their citizens.

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