People are stunned by recent images of Hamas targeting Israeli civilians. However, these attacks should be viewed within the broader context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups.

In a world where geopolitical events reverberate far and wide, the similarities and disparities in the international responses to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine situation have drawn attention. Middle East commentator Hamza Ali Shah emphasizes the parallels, pointing to the overwhelming global backing for Ukraine while Palestine’s decades-long quest for freedom often faces, to a large extent, global indifference.

Both Ukrainians and Palestinians have faced significant adversities in their journeys toward liberation. The stark images from Ukraine show devastation, lost lives, and the undeniable consequences of war. For Palestinians, their challenges resonate deeply with those of Ukrainians – enduring conflicts, human rights violations, and unwavering occupations.

Yet, the world’s reactions to both crises couldn’t be more contrasting. As Russia’s aggression intensified, an outpouring of support for Ukrainians emerged from all corners. Diplomatic condemnations were paired with tangible support, including financial, military, and medical aid. This swift and unanimous backing for Ukraine stands in stark contrast to the lukewarm, often symbolic responses to Israel’s aggressive policies toward Palestine.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, for instance, doesn’t see the same global consensus as the sanctions imposed on Russia. Such discrepancies have led many to conclude that the choice of where and when to offer support is often driven more by politics than by principled stances on justice and human rights.

Slavoj Žižek’s commentary on Ukraine’s alignment with Israel adds further depth to this discussion. He argues that such alliances may cost nations their moral high ground in the grand scheme of international relations.

Further complicating matters is the historical backdrop against which these crises unfold. Hillel Schenker, co-editor of the Palestine-Israel Journal, reminds us of the ghosts of past World Wars, hinting at the gravity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Similarly, the legacy of Israel-Palestine is entrenched in decades of complex geopolitics, making any comparisons with other global events inherently intricate.

Israel’s own positioning vis-à-vis Russia and Ukraine adds another layer to the narrative. While balancing its alliances and interests, Israel’s responses have been critiqued for their lack of clarity and commitment.

As the world grapples with these intertwined crises, what remains evident is the necessity for consistent and principled stances on issues of justice, sovereignty, and human rights. Only then can true resolutions be sought for the people of both Ukraine and Palestine, and for countless others facing similar challenges worldwide.