In a strong diplomatic move, Algeria has openly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which were launched in response to the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation initiated by Hamas. The Algerian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli actions as a “blatant violation of all international laws.” The statement went on to say, “Algeria strongly condemns the brutal air strikes by the Zionist [Israeli] occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, and which caused many casualties, including children and women.”
The Foreign Ministry reiterated Algeria’s “full solidarity with the Palestinian people” and called upon the international community, including the UN Security Council, to take urgent action to end what it described as “repeated and systematic criminal attacks.”
Hamas launched the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation claiming it was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. The Israeli army, in turn, initiated Operation Swords of Iron in the Gaza Strip to defend Israeli civilians against the combined attack.
Implications and Questions
- Diplomatic Stance: How does Algeria’s condemnation align with its historical support for the Palestinian cause, and what implications might this have for Algeria’s relations with other countries?
- International Law: The Algerian Foreign Ministry invoked international law in its condemnation. How might this impact ongoing discussions in international forums like the UN?
- Regional Dynamics: Given Algeria’s strong stance, how might this affect the country’s relations with its neighbors, some of whom have recently normalized relations with Israel?