Description: Attending a humanitarian event organized by the American Jewish Committee, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Lynn Milgrim, were gunned down by an individual later identified as Elias Rodriguez. Rodriguez, shortly after the fatal murders, was detained by the Metropolitan Police in Washington and charged with murder and assassination of foreign officials. Court reports indicated that the actions by the perpetrator were anti – semitic and inspired by Israel’s war in Gaza and the West Bank. The staff were reportedly involved in events which pioneered and campaigned for cessation of the war and stipulating activities that would enable the entry of humanitarian aid in the war affected region. The murders happened days after Israel announced their enhanced warfare campaign on Gaza supported by the three-month blockade of humanitarian aid that was catalyzed by the strong condemnation statements issued by the leaders of Canada, France and the UK. Prime Minister Netanyahu attacked Israel’s western allies of incentivizing antisemitism and emboldening Hamas on the international stage by condemning Israel’s war in Gaza and the West Bank.
Impact: Israel’s enhanced warfare campaign continues to negatively impact global social reactions and stimulate violent and deadly attacks. Antisemitism marked a global rise in the past couple of months which was followed by protests in Europe and the US which threatens security, safety and stability on a national level. Israel’s latest actions further isolated the country from its staunch allies in Europe and the US which forced the Israeli establishment to adopt a unilateral approach towards the war and continue with the military operations and the weaponization of humanitarian aid. The failed negotiations in Qatar further aggravated the situation as the blame was shifted towards Hamas’ reluctance to agree towards the release of the remaining hostages. The attack puts Europe and the US in an unspecified position as it may prompt Israel to adopt a firmer stance towards their military offensive and exacerbate the humanitarian and security crisis in the region. Similar violent and deadly events would be on the rise in the short to mid – term period on the back of the global rise in social oppositionist stance towards Israel’s activities which would impact the ongoing ceasefire negotiations and further prolong the war.