Global South, sympathetic to Palestinians, aligns with China as US seeks support for Israel against Hamas in Gaza

Middle East conflict showcases deep divisions between Washington-led position and newly ascendant grouping of postcolonial and developing countries

UN Security Council vote on Russia-drafted resolution underscores split

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In India, social activists, students and pro-Palestine activists hold a silent anti-Israel protest in Bangalore on October 16. Despite the Biden administration calling on the world to stand by its ally Israel, many in the Global South have criticised the Jewish state. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 2:30am, 17 Oct 2023Updated: 4:59pm, 17 Oct 2023

With supporters clutching small Palestinian flags behind him and a traditional Palestinian scarf draped over his shoulders, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared at a public rally in Boksburg on Saturday, voicing deep concern about “the atrocities that are unfolding in the Middle East”.

Ramaphosa, a former anti-apartheid activist, pledged South Africa would back Palestinians and described them as having withstood Israeli “occupation for almost 75 years”.

His remarks sharply contrasted with Washington’s unwavering support for Israel in defending its cities and citizens after a surprise assault by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 led to the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis – mostly civilians. An unknown number of people, including Americans, were taken hostage.

A contentious vote by the UN Security Council on a Russia-drafted resolution that called for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians underscored the split.

Since the attack and abductions, Israeli air strikes have killed nearly 2,400 people in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Israel has cut off the flow of food, medicine, water and electricity and asked more than 1 million residents in the north of Gaza to flee south “within 24 hours” as it prepares for a ground offensive.

As the war unfolds, deep divisions have resurfaced between the Washington-led West and the Global South, a newly ascendant geopolitical entity comprising postcolonial and developing countries.