Most Israelis 'afraid' to travel due to global anger over Israel's war in Gaza

Most Israelis are afraid to travel abroad as global anger mounts over Israel’s war in Gaza, a recent poll has shown.

This comes as an increasing number of governments around the world are growing frustrated with Israel, as the now 22-month-old war grinds on with no end in sight, despite mediated ceasefire talks.

The war, which erupted on 7 October 2023 has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Images of starving Palestinians – the result of Israel’s months-long siege and the resulting severe food shortages – have sent shockwaves around the world.

Many rights groups, including Amnesty International, and countries have described Israel's war in Gaza as a genocide.

Fearing travel

According to a poll aired by Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday, 56 percent of Israelis said they fear that they won't be able to travel outside of Israel, while 40 percent said they weren’t afraid, and four percent did not answer.

Earlier this week, Greek police used tear gas and made several arrests as around 300 anti-war protesters attempted to block an Israeli cruise ship from docking on the island of Crete.

World capitals and other major cities have witnessed huge pro-Palestine protests since 2023.

Responding to how they felt about their government, 67 percent of respondents said they don’t feel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government represents their will, according to Channel 12.

Even among voters of Netanyahu’s coalition, 44 percent said they were unhappy with the government’s policies.

Within Israel too, many people have expressed anger with Netanyahu's government, demaning he end the war and stop putting his political career before the country's interests. 

The families of captives held in Gaza have accused him of using the war to further his own agenda rather than securing the release of the captives.

Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, are wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.