Fact Check: If Israel has been told to get out of Gaza and the West Bank, why don't Western countries remove them?

Fact Check: "If Israel has been told to get out of Gaza and the West Bank, why don't Western countries remove them?"

What We Know

The claim suggests that if there is a consensus or directive for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and the West Bank, Western countries should take action to enforce this. The context of this claim arises from ongoing international discussions and resolutions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in light of the recent escalation of violence that began on October 7, 2023, with a coordinated offensive by Palestinian militant groups against Israel (source-1).

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, multiple countries, including the UK and 27 others, have called for an immediate end to hostilities, citing the severe suffering of civilians as a primary concern (source-2). The United Nations General Assembly also passed a resolution on October 27, 2023, demanding a humanitarian truce, which was supported by 121 states (source-1). However, these calls have not translated into direct actions to remove Israel from these territories.

Analysis

The assertion that Western countries should remove Israel from Gaza and the West Bank is complicated by several factors:

Sovereignty and International Law: Israel's presence in these territories is a contentious issue rooted in historical claims, international law, and ongoing conflicts. While many nations and international organizations condemn certain Israeli actions, the removal of a state from a territory is not a straightforward process and typically requires diplomatic negotiations rather than unilateral actions by other nations (source-1).
Calls for Ceasefire vs. Military Action: The recent joint statements from Western countries emphasize the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid rather than military intervention to remove Israel from these areas. For instance, the UK and other nations have criticized Israel's aid delivery model and called for an end to the war, but they have not advocated for military action to forcibly remove Israel from Gaza or the West Bank (source-2, source-4).
Political Dynamics: The political landscape is further complicated by alliances and the strategic interests of Western nations in the region. Many Western countries, including the United States, have historically supported Israel's right to defend itself, which influences their responses to calls for withdrawal (source-1).
Humanitarian Concerns: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has prompted calls for increased aid and protection for civilians rather than direct intervention against Israel. The focus has been on addressing immediate humanitarian needs rather than altering territorial control (source-2, source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that Western countries should remove Israel from Gaza and the West Bank is Partially True. While there is significant international condemnation of Israel's actions and calls for a ceasefire, the complexities of international law, state sovereignty, and geopolitical interests prevent a straightforward removal of Israel from these territories. Instead, the focus remains on diplomatic solutions and humanitarian aid rather than military intervention.

Fact Check: If Israel has been told to get out of Gaza and the West Bank, why don't Western countries remove them?