In the wake of the October 2023 Gaza conflict, Israel has faced one of the most significant waves of diplomatic backlash in its history, as countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe downgraded or severed diplomatic relations in protest of Israel’s military campaign and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The moves reflect growing international concern over civilian casualties, allegations of war crimes, and accusations of violations of international humanitarian law. While Israel maintains strong backing from the United States and a handful of allies, its diplomatic standing has noticeably weakened across the Global South and parts of Europe.
Countries That Fully Severed Diplomatic Relations
Several nations took the rare and dramatic step of cutting all formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
Bolivia
Bolivia became the first country to completely sever relations, citing what it described as disproportionate attacks against civilians in Gaza and alleged war crimes. The Bolivian government framed its decision as a moral and legal response to violations of international law.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua followed, formally cutting diplomatic relations and accusing Israel of committing serious human rights violations. The move aligned Nicaragua with other left-leaning governments in Latin America critical of Israel’s conduct.
Belize
Belize announced the suspension of diplomatic relations, citing the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and calling for accountability under international law.
Colombia
Colombia ultimately moved beyond recalling its ambassador and formally severed diplomatic ties, while also suspending arms purchases from Israel. President Gustavo Petro publicly accused Israel of engaging in collective punishment.
Countries That Recalled Ambassadors or Suspended Relations
A broader group of countries stopped short of full diplomatic rupture but took symbolic and political steps to downgrade relations.
Chile
Chile withdrew its diplomats from Israel, condemning what it called unacceptable violations of humanitarian law and expressing alarm over civilian deaths in Gaza.
South Africa
South Africa withdrew its diplomatic staff and accused Israel of engaging in genocidal acts, later taking the unprecedented step of filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Jordan
Jordan recalled its ambassador, citing alleged war crimes and warning that Israel’s actions threatened regional stability.
Turkey
Turkey withdrew diplomats and sharply escalated rhetoric against Israel, with senior officials accusing it of crimes against humanity.
Chad
Chad cited deadly violence against civilians as the basis for recalling its ambassador, signaling renewed strain in Israel’s efforts to expand ties in Africa.
Bahrain
Despite previously normalizing relations under the Abraham Accords, Bahrain recalled its ambassador and suspended economic ties, reflecting domestic pressure and regional outrage.
Where Spain, Ireland, China and North Korea Stand
Beyond countries that severed or downgraded relations, several influential states took firm political positions that further isolated Israel diplomatically.
Spain
Spain emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken European critics. Spanish leaders repeatedly condemned Israel’s military operations, called for an immediate ceasefire, and publicly supported accountability mechanisms under international law. Spain later signaled openness to recognizing Palestinian statehood, further straining relations with Israel.
Ireland
Ireland took one of the strongest positions in the European Union, condemning Israel’s actions as disproportionate and calling for sanctions. Irish officials accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law and pushed aggressively for ceasefire resolutions at the EU level.
China
China aligned itself firmly with calls for an immediate ceasefire and condemned Israel’s military campaign while emphasizing Palestinian rights. Beijing positioned itself as a defender of international law and humanitarian principles, using the conflict to highlight what it describes as Western double standards and to expand its diplomatic influence in the Middle East
North Korea
North Korea took one of the most extreme rhetorical positions following the Gaza conflict, openly condemning Israel and fully aligning itself with the Palestinian cause. Pyongyang accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity and framed the war as an example of what it calls U.S.-backed imperial aggression.
North Korean state media repeatedly described Israel’s military campaign as a massacre of civilians and placed responsibility not only on Israel but also on Washington and its allies. While North Korea does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel to sever or downgrade, its statements reinforced its longstanding hostility toward Israel and its broader strategy of positioning itself as an opponent of U.S.-aligned powers.
A Broader Diplomatic Shift
The Gaza conflict triggered a coordinated response among several South American nations, particularly left-leaning governments, amplifying the diplomatic impact on Israel. These actions, combined with growing criticism from Europe and the Global South, have eroded Israel’s international legitimacy outside its core allies.
Israel has since attempted to repair relations with some African and developing nations through diplomatic outreach and economic engagement. However, many countries remain firm in their opposition, linking normalization or restoration of ties to accountability, ceasefire commitments, and changes in Israel’s conduct toward Palestinians.
The diplomatic backlash following the October 2023 Gaza war represents more than isolated protests. It signals a widening global divide over Israel’s military strategy, the humanitarian toll in Gaza, and the enforcement of international law.
While Israel retains key strategic allies, the growing list of countries downgrading or severing relations underscores a deepening international reckoning—one that continues to reshape global alignments and challenge Israel’s diplomatic position well beyond the battlefield.
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