Berlin: 'There's work to be done on Gen Z across the West.' These were the words of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in August, addressing concerns over diminishing support for Israel among younger generations, particularly in Europe. This sentiment underscores the growing influence of Gen Z in shaping public opinion and policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, a YouGov EuroTrack survey conducted in June revealed that sympathy for Israel in countries like Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain has reached historic lows. A larger share of Europeans now express sympathy for Palestine, with only a small fraction believing in Israel's justification for military action in Gaza. Germany remains the outlier, with more balanced views on both sides.
Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, has played a pivotal role in this shift. This generation is actively questioning the policies and actions of European institutions, driven by a desire for social justice and human rights. Lynn Boylan, chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, notes that young Europeans are increasingly disillusioned with perceived inconsistencies in international law applications.
Christian Schonbeck of Academics for Palestine in Denmark highlights a historical context that influences older generations' reluctance to criticize Israel, a barrier less impactful on Gen Z. He observes a significant change in discourse on Palestine within European academia and media over recent months, spurred by Gen Z's activism.
Gen Z's adeptness with digital platforms has further amplified their impact, allowing them to share and access unfiltered information about the situation in Gaza. This generation's activism resonates with broader global movements for social justice, as seen in the influence of figures like Greta Thunberg, who has publicly supported the Palestinian cause.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations, inspired by movements in the US, have proliferated across European campuses, leading to sit-ins and calls for divestment from Israeli interests. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project reports a significant number of such demonstrations in Europe, indicating a robust and sustained movement.
The activism has yielded tangible results, with several European nations recently recognizing Palestine as a state. Boylan attributes this shift to the relentless efforts of young activists who continue to challenge the status quo despite facing significant opposition.
As Gen Z continues to push for policy changes, the question remains whether their efforts will lead to substantial shifts in European foreign policy. In countries like Germany and Denmark, public opinion is increasingly supportive of recognizing Palestine, indicating a potential for future policy changes driven by this new wave of activism.