The Western Balkans have been deeply affected by Israel’s war on Gaza over the past ten months, leading to emotional responses from governments in the region. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the conflict has increased polarisation, with a predominant pro-Palestinian sentiment shared by the majority of the population. The complex political divisions in BiH, stemming from the Dayton Agreement, have shaped various responses to the conflict, particularly between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.
Bosnian Serb support for Israel
The leadership in Republika Srpska, led by Dodik, has shown unwavering support for Israel, citing historical ties and shared concerns about terrorism. Dodik’s strategic alignment with Israel is seen as a move to seek favour with the US amidst growing Western sanctions on Republika Srpska. However, the general population in Republika Srpska does not share the same affinity for Israel, reflecting a broader sentiment of empathy for Palestinians.
Solidarity with Palestine
Bosniaks in BiH have demonstrated strong solidarity with Palestine, drawing parallels between the struggles in Gaza and the experiences of the Bosnian civil war. The Srebrenica Memorial Center has cautiously navigated the issue, prioritising memorialising Srebrenica while acknowledging the empathy and solidarity of Bosniaks towards the Palestinian cause.
Human perspective
Amidst the political complexities, the human toll of the Gaza war is deeply felt by the citizens of BiH, urging a halt to the conflict and a focus on peaceful solutions. As the region grapples with multiple geopolitical dynamics, the human angle remains a poignant reminder of the shared suffering and the need for compassion and peace.
Giorgio Cafiero is the CEO of Gulf State Analytics. Follow him on Twitter: @GiorgioCafiero