The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the oldest and most disputed issues of international relations, and every country in the world keeps an eye on it and is involved in it as much as it can. As a large-scale East Asian nation with a constantly growing global influence, South Korea has been forced to deal with this difficult scenario with caution. Besides being a concern of foreign policy, the South Korean stance on supporting either Israel or Palestine also considers other factors, including but not limited to the opinion of the people there on the issue, the relationship between the two countries, as well as their economic interests and humanitarian issues.
This blog explores the role of South Korea in the Israel-Palestine conflict through its economic ties, diplomatic relationships, government stance, humanitarian assistance, and the opinions of civil society. The blog also adds to the history of South Korea, the prevailing events, and the intricate positions held by South Korea within the international forums.
Historical relationship between South Korea and Israel
South Korea diplomatic relations: Although non-formal relations existed between the two countries since the Korean War, formal diplomatic relations were established in the year 1962. Israel assisted the endeavors of the UN in Korea, and the two Nations have developed closer relationships than ever before via commerce and scientific relations, as well as comparing security issues. The alliance has expanded, particularly in the past years and especially in the 2000s, with trade, technology, and military coming into the picture. Similarly, South Korea and Israel developed their business relationship in 2022 and agreed on a free trade provision.
There is no formal diplomatic relationship between South Korea and Palestine, and no such recognition of an independent state. Nevertheless, it has a representative office in Ramallah and contacts the Palestinian Authority on issues of a humanitarian and developmental nature.
On several occasions South Korea voted in support of UN resolutions to support humanitarian aid or Palestinian statehood, but this has made it clear that it would not mark any official recognition of Palestinian statehood.
South Korea’s government policy and statements
South Korea has a policy of moderation and balance. The government constantly insists on solving the situation peacefully, observing international law, and keeping people safe. South Korea also promotes talks and interaction between Israel and Palestine and thinks that the two-state solution is the perfect means to attain a sustainable peace. South Korea raised concerns over Israeli military operations that threaten civilian existence and condemned the mindless murder of civilians and the keeping of hostages by Hamas as a response to increasing tensions in a narrowed-down case of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023.
The concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza has been serious for the administration, and it has requested that all of them respect the UN Security Council resolutions and protect civilians. South Korea has not declared that it is on the side of Israel or Palestine in its formal declarations. Instead, it emphasizes the need for moderation, dialogue, and peaceful settlement and shows its intentions to save friendly relations with all sides and its greater interests in the Middle East.
Economic and strategic interest
Israel and South Korea have formed a very sound economic relationship, particularly in the technological and defense aspects. The increased connectivity in the economy is represented by the free trade agreement of 2022. The security challenges of Israel and its neighbors in the region are quite grave; the same applies to South Korea and North Korea. Sharing in intelligence and defense has been promoted by this shared history.
The Korea-Israel Free Trade Agreement will eliminate tariffs on approximately 95 percent of the traded goods between the two countries within a decade, so that vital South Korean exports such as automobiles, automobile parts, clothes, and cosmetics will instantly be tariff-free.
This preferential treatment aims to grow the market access and competitiveness. In the years before this FTA, Israel and South Korea showed a robust trade with a total of 3.5 billion dollars worth of products and services between the companies in 2021, which is a 35 percent rise from the same year last year. South Korea exports about 31 percent of Israeli exports out of the Middle East, which shows the strategic importance of this tie-up to Israel, which, due to geopolitical constraints, is seeking markets elsewhere outside its backyard.
Humanitarian aid contributions
There are four phases in which this funding was distributed since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023: $2 million in 2023, $8 million in January 2024, an additional 30 million US dollars announced in the course of the time of the ongoing UN General Assembly session, and 40 million US dollars collected at the time of South Korea’s contribution to the aid on the territory of Gaza.
These funds are used to give humanitarian assistance and relief to the Palestinian civilians. Considering the resolution by the UN Security Council 2735, in which people and the provision of humanitarian aid are among the key priorities of the organization, the role of South Korean contributions to deterrence goals to ensure unconditional humanitarian access is to voice ceasefires and the freedom of captives.
South Korea is positioning itself to participate in post-war rehabilitation activities in Gaza, besides rendering imminent assistance. It is a part of a greater Middle East policy to place South Korea in a new role above being an economic partner by making it a leader in international reconstruction and humanitarianism.
Public sentiment and awareness
At a certain balanced position regarding the view that is expressed by the government, the rest of the population is not very aware of the conflict, and the perception is mainly influenced by humanitarian concerns rather than related to the political or historical background. Support by people towards Palestinians has also improved, partly due to surveys according to which the sympathetic feelings towards Palestinians have risen, especially during the duration of the prolonged war in Gaza. Because of the extensive destruction and humanitarian losses in Gaza, the South Koreans sympathized more with Palestinians than the Israeli people, approximately one year after the outbreak of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.
Despite this greater compassion, the majority of the South Koreans remain concerned about accepting refugees and becoming directly involved in the matter; 67 percent of the people oppose accepting Palestinian refugees in South Korea. There has been an increased Palestinian solidarity movement associated with civil society in South Korea, especially where the solidarity initiative is related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 230 civil society organizations have formed alliances and will hold demonstrations, cultural events, and other awareness programs to support
Palestinian rights.
People have protested against Israeli military actions in Gaza as well, trying to march to the Israeli embassy, but some of them were halted by the police. Such local activism focuses on human rights, humanitarian concerns, and peace requirements and often urges the government of South Korea to reconsider its moderated diplomatic policy and admit a Palestinian state.
Future policy of South Africa
South Korea desires to participate actively in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza to cement its reputation as a responsible middle power that facilitates world peace and stability. This includes contributions of development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory, most particularly in partnership with the countries of the Middle East and other multilateral modes. With the rebuilding activities, South Korea stands a chance to consolidate its diplomatic voice as well as lead the world in terms of humanitarian and development initiatives, and expand its relationship with the Middle East to commercial interactions.
South Korea is planning to enhance its defense and nuclear power cooperation with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; these countries are developing into strategic and economic partners. Aiming at common interests in regional security and scientific expansion, these alliances are formed in response to the changing US influence and Iran’s regional plans. South Korea will have to stay on its delicate balancing act when it comes not only to diplomacy in the Middle East but also to its friends in the region, not to lose valuable partners on its way to economic freedom and successful security policies.
End up
South Korea takes a very cautious, realistic, and humanitarian approach to the issue of Israel-Palestine. It promotes the two-state solution and humanitarian aid, and it does not recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, although the diplomatic and economic links to Israel are close. In the civil society, the number of Palestinian activists is growing; however, the government maintains a middle ground position on the official front, urging dialogue, restraint, and peace.
