Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has leveled sharp criticism at Western nations for their inconsistent handling of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, calling it a double standard that undermines global credibility. In an interview with the Financial Times, Eide pointed out that while many Western countries have condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, they have remained largely muted on Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has led to a major humanitarian crisis. He warned that this selective criticism sends a contradictory message to the rest of the world, portraying Western powers as cherry-picking their stance on global conflicts.
Eide described the situation in Gaza as “worse than hell on earth,” emphasizing the devastating impact on civilians and the destruction of infrastructure. He argued that the West’s failure to impose sanctions on Israel in the same manner as they did on Russia in 2022 further fuels perceptions of double standards. This lack of action, he said, raises serious questions about the West’s commitment to upholding international law and norms. The foreign minister also highlighted the growing concerns among many nations that the West is not applying international law consistently, calling on Western states to engage more seriously with the perspectives of the global community.
The conflict in Gaza has been the focal point of international outrage since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October 2023. The subsequent Israeli military campaign has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths and an unprecedented level of destruction. Despite the scale of the crisis, Western nations have been slow to condemn Israel’s actions. It wasn’t until May 2025 that the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement criticizing Israel’s military operations. In addition, several European countries, including France, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, have recently moved to officially recognize the State of Palestine. The UK has also warned of impending recognition unless Israel stops its military operations.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has remained a vocal holdout on condemning West Jerusalem, dismissing the wave of recognitions as a boost for Hamas and a setback for peace efforts. In June 2025, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a “permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” arguing that the document fails to address the disarmament and departure of Hamas from the enclave. This decision has further deepened the divide among Western allies, with some European governments pushing for a more critical stance toward Israel’s actions while the US continues to support its ally. The absence of sanctions on Israel contrasts sharply with the comprehensive sanctions imposed on Russia, raising questions about the West’s willingness to hold powerful nations accountable for their actions.