David M. Friedman, former United States Ambassador to Israel, recently asserted that "misplaced sympathy" from Western entities and those who "wrongly placed the blame for every civilian casualty on Israel" are responsible for prolonging the conflict in Gaza. In a social media post, Friedman contended that this external influence has extended the captivity of hostages and the suffering of Gazans. He argued that historians will eventually reach a consensus that Hamas endured for so long, inflicting "unspeakable pain even upon its own people," due to such encouragement from the West.
Friedman, who served under the Trump administration, is known for his staunch pro-Israel stance and has consistently voiced criticisms of policies and perspectives he views as detrimental to Israeli security interests. His commentary often aligns with the narrative that external pressures and misinterpretations of the conflict's dynamics hinder efforts to resolve the situation. He has previously stated that the burden for stalled negotiations lies with Hamas, not Israel.
Critics of Hamas, including Israeli officials, frequently accuse the group of intentionally embedding its military infrastructure within civilian areas and using the population as human shields. This strategy, they argue, contributes significantly to civilian casualties and complicates Israeli military operations, thereby prolonging the conflict. While casualty figures from Gaza are often disputed, Israel maintains it takes extensive measures to avoid civilian harm, blaming Hamas for operating from within densely populated zones.
The "misplaced sympathy" Friedman referred to is often manifested in widespread pro-Palestinian protests and advocacy in Western countries, including Canada, Western Europe, and Australia. Hamas's deputy chief, Saleh al-Arouri, has publicly thanked Western activists for their pro-Palestinian demonstrations, acknowledging their support for the Palestinian people and their cause. These protests often call for a ceasefire and condemn Israeli military actions.
Conversely, numerous international bodies and human rights organizations have expressed grave concerns over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and have criticized Israel's military conduct. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented alleged unlawful Israeli strikes, calling for independent investigations into potential war crimes. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice have also issued resolutions and provisional measures urging the protection of civilians and expanded humanitarian access, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip.
The ongoing debate over responsibility for the conflict's duration and its devastating humanitarian impact reflects deeply entrenched and often conflicting narratives. Friedman's statement underscores a perspective that attributes the prolonged suffering in Gaza not only to Hamas's actions but also to the perceived enabling role of certain Western elements, thereby placing "blood on their hands" for the continued crisis.