Arab rulers across the Middle East face growing criticism for their muted response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, even as global outcry intensifies over rising civilian deaths and humanitarian disasters. This silence, amid mounting starvation and bombardment since the conflict escalated in 2023, risks sparking unrest among their own populations who demand stronger action against what many see as genocide.
Global Outcry Versus Arab Restraint
The world has watched in horror as Gaza’s death toll surpasses 61,000, mostly women and children, according to health officials in the enclave. Countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway, France, and Australia have taken bold steps, recognizing Palestine or threatening sanctions on Israel, while South Africa pursues a genocide case at the United Nations top court.
In contrast, Arab nations such as Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states have limited their involvement to aid airdrops and mediation talks through Qatar and Egypt. These efforts fall short, say aid groups, failing to prevent famine. Recent polls from Arab Barometer in June 2025 show support for normalizing ties with Israel dropping below 13 percent in surveyed countries, highlighting a disconnect between rulers and citizens.
Experts argue this restraint stems from dependency on U.S. aid and security, fearing backlash from Washington or Israel. For instance, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signatories to the 2020 Abraham Accords, maintain trade links despite the war.
Public frustration boils over in stories like that of Wafaa Eeed, a Gaza resident who braved miles for aid only to face violence. Her plea echoes a broader sentiment: Why aren’t Arab states doing more?
Historical Ties and Current Fears
Arab support for Palestinians once included funding and bases for militant groups, but past conflicts changed that. Jordan’s 1970 Black September civil war and Lebanon’s 1982 Israeli invasion, triggered by Palestinian presence, left lasting scars. Today, leaders worry that backing Hamas or Hezbollah, both Iran-linked, could invite similar chaos.
In 2025, Yemen’s Houthi rebels stand alone in military pressure on Israel through missile attacks on ships, aiming to end the Gaza offensive. Other Arab states avoid such risks, opting instead for diplomatic channels. Saudi Arabia, for example, paused normalization talks with Israel due to the war but has not severed existing ties.
This caution extends to domestic control. Egypt and Jordan have cracked down on pro-Palestinian protests, arresting hundreds, per reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Rulers fear these demonstrations could morph into anti-government movements, as Palestine symbolizes broader grievances against Western influence and local authoritarianism.
- Key historical events shaping Arab caution:
- 1970: Jordan expels Palestinian militants after civil war.
- 1982: Israel invades Lebanon targeting PLO bases.
- 2023-2025: Ongoing Gaza war deepens regional divides.
Economic and Strategic Calculations
Gulf states prioritize realpolitik over public sentiment. Hosting U.S. military bases shields them from Iran and secures energy routes. Access to Israel’s tech sector, including surveillance tools, helps suppress dissent at home.
Proposals for Arab nations to accept Gaza refugees or govern the strip post-war have been rejected, seen as aiding ethnic cleansing. In August 2025, leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar condemned Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City, calling it a dangerous escalation, yet stopped short of concrete actions like oil embargoes or airspace restrictions.
A table below outlines recent Arab responses to Israel’s Gaza plans:
| Country | Response | Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Condemned seizure as violation of law | August 9 |
| Saudi Arabia | Called plan “ethnic purge” | August 12 |
| Qatar | Urged Hamas to disarm for peace | July 30 |
| UAE | Maintained diplomatic ties | Ongoing |
This table shows a pattern of verbal criticism without escalation, tied to fears of economic fallout.
Analysts note that while Latin American nations and European allies push boundaries, Arab rulers calculate that vocal opposition yields little gain against U.S. backed Israel.
Public Sentiment and Potential Backlash
Arab citizens, per recent surveys, overwhelmingly oppose Israel’s actions, with protests in limited forms persisting despite crackdowns. The Gaza crisis acts as a mirror to government subservience, say professors like Fawaz Gerges from the London School of Economics.
In Yemen, Houthi actions resonate, but elsewhere, silence breeds resentment. A July 2025 joint statement from Arab states called on Hamas to relinquish power in Gaza, an unprecedented move signaling a shift from solidarity to pragmatism.
This could implode the political order, experts warn, as younger generations demand accountability. The contrast with global responses, including U.S. Jewish groups voicing concerns over Israeli plans, amplifies the perceived inaction.
Paths Forward Amid Uncertainty
Looking ahead, mediation by Qatar and Egypt continues, with Hamas signaling openness to ceasefire talks if aid flows freely. Yet, Israel’s recent vows for full military control over Gaza, announced in August 2025, draw sharp rebukes but no unified Arab strategy.
Some suggest economic levers like restricting the Suez Canal could pressure Israel, though unlikely given trade dependencies. The U.K.’s pledge of millions in aid underscores international efforts, but Arab states must balance survival with public demands.
As the conflict drags into its third year, the human cost in Gaza mounts, with starvation claims denied by Israel but affirmed by medics and allies like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
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