Protests against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians are gaining momentum worldwide. The recent violence in Gaza has intensified calls for boycotts, with support surging to unprecedented levels. Activists and organizations are mobilizing globally, advocating for Palestinian rights and bringing increased scrutiny to international economic ties with Israel.
Global Response to Israel’s Actions
Since May 2025, there has been a notable rise in pro-Palestinian protests. This surge represents a 43% increase compared to the previous months. Reports indicate that over the past two years, nearly 49,000 demonstrations occurred across 133 countries.
- Yemen: 15,266 protests
- Morocco: 5,482 protests
- USA: 5,346 protests
- Turkiye: 2,349 protests
- Iran: 1,919 protests
- Pakistan: 1,539 protests
- France: 1,397 protests
- Italy: 1,390 protests
- Spain: 1,102 protests
- Australia: 967 protests
The Role of the BDS Movement
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has played a vital role in advocating for Palestinian rights. Founded in 2005, BDS aims to challenge Israeli policies through non-violent means. Omar Barghouti, a co-founder of the movement, stated that their efforts have significantly isolated Israel’s regime of oppression.
Barghouti explained that BDS campaigns focus on three main strategies:
- Priority Boycott Targets: Companies directly involved in supporting Israeli occupation.
- Pressure Targets: Brands that are pressured through boycotts and campaigns.
- Organic Boycotts: Community-driven initiatives responding to complicity in Israeli actions.
Consumer Actions and Boycotts
Consumers worldwide are increasingly opting out of brands that support Israel. Mobile apps like Boycat have emerged to assist individuals in identifying boycott-targeted products.
For example, a mother in the UAE shares how her family has stopped purchasing from major brands known for their ties to the Israeli government. Similarly, activists in Canada describe their efforts to navigate public sentiment while reinforcing their stance on Palestinian rights.
Impact of Boycotts on Corporations
The economic repercussions of these boycotts are evident. Large corporations like McDonald’s and Starbucks have reported declining sales, particularly in markets critical of Israel. In January 2024, McDonald’s acknowledged a “meaningful impact” from consumer boycotts, while Starbucks faced three consecutive quarters of revenue decline.
- McDonald’s: Plans to close several outlets and restructure due to declining performance.
- Starbucks: Reported a 2% revenue drop in 2024.
International Political Reactions
Several nations have taken significant political actions against Israel. Recently, Spain cancelled a nearly €700 million arms deal citing concerns over human rights violations. Countries like Norway and Ireland have also divested from Israeli assets linked to settlements, reflecting a growing wave of international disapproval.
In June 2025, sanctions were placed on Israeli ministers for their roles in escalating violence. These measures are part of broader diplomatic actions aimed at addressing human rights violations in the region.
UN Monitoring Efforts
The United Nations Office of Human Rights continues to monitor companies profiting from Israel’s illegal settlements. The latest updates revealed 158 firms listed for their involvement, including several well-known international brands.
This global outcry and coordinated action signal a turning point for the Palestinian movement, according to advocates. As awareness grows, the call to recognize Palestinian rights is becoming a prominent aspect of social justice activism today.
