The Responsibility to Protect the Civilians of Gaza: Building on International Perceptions

This paper examines the relevance of applying the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) to the ‘atrocity crimes’ being committed in the Gaza Strip, in light of Israel's 2023 military operation, the October 7th attacks by Hamas and the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Drawing on 40 recent original expert interviews representing perspectives from both Western and BRICS countries, the research reveals a widespread demand to see the R2P applied to the civilians of Gaza and anger at the paralysis of decision-making at the UN Security Council. The double standards in the application of the R2P are found to further exacerbate global tensions. Wider consequences of the Palestinian plight are investigated, including the new menaces to the freedom of speech, the internal fracture in the West between populations and policy-makers, the reticence of the Arab world to support the Palestinians and the substantial threat to the perennity of the R2P.