“Western Double Standards in Addressing Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine”

The West overlooks the “war crimes” committed by the Zionist regime while being quick to condemn similar actions when carried out by its adversaries.

Shortly after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli positions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to all Israelis who “lost their relatives or loved ones in this terrorist assault” through a post on the social media platform X, asserting “Israel’s right to self-defense.”

Numerous other global leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, U.S. President Joe Biden, and European Union officials like Ursula von der Leyen, followed this stance.

At the same time, the Israeli Defense Minister repeatedly ordered a “complete blockade” of the Gaza Strip, cutting off electricity, water, and food supplies. In response, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that this blockade has affected 610,000 people and could result in a critical water shortage. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also stated that this action by the Israeli regime breaches international law.

Nevertheless, von der Leyen, the European Commission President, wrote on X, “Israel has the right to defend itself. The European Union stands by Israel.”

A comparison of recent remarks from leaders like von der Leyen in support of Israel with their statements on other conflicts, such as the Ukraine war, reveals a noticeable double standard. Last year, this EU official referred to Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian power plants and infrastructure as acts of terrorism, characterizing them as war crimes.

However, this inconsistency isn’t limited to von der Leyen. Rishi Sunak, in a post on X, described Hamas members as “terrorists” and blamed supporters of the resistance for the recent violence. Australia’s Foreign Minister also expressed solidarity with the Israeli regime, emphasizing the right of Israel to defend itself.

Western support for Israel has even caused friction among its allies. For example, U.S. Senator Tim Scott accused President Biden of not sufficiently supporting Israel and even of “colluding with Hamas,” stating, “The blood of Israelis is on your hands!”

Many users on social media have also criticized this double standard in Western policies. One user highlighted the West’s unwavering support for Ukraine on X, pointing out that when Ukrainian attacks lead to civilian casualties, the West ignores it. Yet when Palestinians, in their fight against occupation, cause civilian casualties, they are labeled as terrorists.

Aaron Bastani, a UK-based journalist, pointed out on X that there is a clear double standard when comparing the civilian casualties caused by Ukrainian strikes and those from Hamas.

One user wrote on X: “I don’t get it! When Ukraine responded to Russia’s invasion with counterattacks, it was praised. But now that Palestine is doing the same against Israeli occupation, it is condemned! This propaganda shows how the American Empire always acts in its interest.”

In addition to these reactions, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, questioned in parliament: “Why are there two different approaches? For example, the West quickly supported Kyiv in the Ukraine conflict, yet Palestine has been completely ignored.”

The changing perspective of Western officials when deciding whether parties in different conflicts are justified or labeled as terrorists reveals a clear double standard. This approach shields the actions of Western allies while presenting a biased and exaggerated narrative against their opponents.