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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Why are the 'But Palestine...' posters not very interested in Iran

109 replies

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:40

Was reading another thread and soneone made this point.

Is it because Hamas is funded by Iran and is the de facto government of Gaza?

OP posts:
DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:41

This was the exchange that made me wonder what the reasons are

"Funny how the Palestine "bbuttt the women and chilllllldren" bleats aren't out on the streets over Iran.
I understand that it might be tricky though given that the regime is both the hand that feeds Hamas, and quite happily murdering women and children at the same time.
Stick to mithering over jews, its safer.
If you care to start a thread, I'll happily join you."
Then

"The near wholesale slaughter of peaceful protesters in Iran was utterly horrific."

OP posts:
MsPug · 16/02/2026 15:42

Well it's because it's Muslims killing Muslims

HermioneWeasley · 16/02/2026 15:43

Because it’s not about human rights at all. Not even a little bit. It’s a convenient excuse to bash Jews.

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:43

I personally believe that there are different reasons for different posters being upset about one set of people dying but not particularly bothered to be moved to comment about another set of people dying. Surely, all are equally of importance?

OP posts:
DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:44

MsPug · 16/02/2026 15:42

Well it's because it's Muslims killing Muslims

That doesn't matter then? Surely, it's equally important. Why does Muslim killing Muslim not matter?

OP posts:
PevenseygirlQQ · 16/02/2026 15:49

From some explanations I have read on MN and other places, (more in terms of the protests tbh)is that the UK is supporting Israel, so protesting etc we can pressure our gov to stop, the UK are not supporting Iran so therefore nothing to pressure our gov for.

I personally have a lot of “pro-pals” on my insta/fb and quite a few of them having been posting about Iran and have expressed concern.

Swiftie1878 · 16/02/2026 15:52

It’s because Israel is supposed to be a part of the international order - civilised, democratic and law-abiding. We hold it to a higher standard than the likes of Iran.

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:54

PevenseygirlQQ · 16/02/2026 15:49

From some explanations I have read on MN and other places, (more in terms of the protests tbh)is that the UK is supporting Israel, so protesting etc we can pressure our gov to stop, the UK are not supporting Iran so therefore nothing to pressure our gov for.

I personally have a lot of “pro-pals” on my insta/fb and quite a few of them having been posting about Iran and have expressed concern.

Thanks.

Many countries are supporting Israel. The UK is hardly likely to support the governing body for Gaza which is currently Hamas.

I'm really glad your friends are also supporting Iran. The noise around the regime in Iran slaughtering mainly young people is much quieter though. Sadly, not all people appear worthy of protesting to raise the profile etc.

OP posts:
Aislyn · 16/02/2026 15:57

As the old saying goes 'No Jews, no need'

Few seem concerned about Iran, or Darfur, or the many other places where atrocities are currently being committed.

In fact, the 'Pro Pali' crowd seem to support the Iranian regime, because they support terrorists.

I can only hope that reasonably minded people see the terrorist supporters for what they are now.

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 15:57

*No news

MissyB1 · 16/02/2026 16:04

Swiftie1878 · 16/02/2026 15:52

It’s because Israel is supposed to be a part of the international order - civilised, democratic and law-abiding. We hold it to a higher standard than the likes of Iran.

Yes partly this 👆and partly that to my knowledge (correct me if I’m wrong) the UK Government don’t assist the Iranian regime in killing innocent civilians.

We could also turn your question around and ask do all the people who care about the Iranian citizens care just as much about the citizens of Gaza? If you would protest against the Iranian regime killing civilians would you protest against Israel doing the same?

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 16:06

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 15:57

As the old saying goes 'No Jews, no need'

Few seem concerned about Iran, or Darfur, or the many other places where atrocities are currently being committed.

In fact, the 'Pro Pali' crowd seem to support the Iranian regime, because they support terrorists.

I can only hope that reasonably minded people see the terrorist supporters for what they are now.

I hear this claim but then others say it's not they think that they can get the UK government to not support Israel. Cannot see that happening personally. Israel is a tiny country in the middle east and needs US mainly and backing of other countries to survive. If it wasn't fir their massive defence they would gave been wiped out years ago.

I do feel for the Jewish UK citizens who are more fearful living in the UK now. They, as everyone here, should feel safe.

OP posts:
KatsPJs · 16/02/2026 16:44

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 15:43

I personally believe that there are different reasons for different posters being upset about one set of people dying but not particularly bothered to be moved to comment about another set of people dying. Surely, all are equally of importance?

Tell that to Israel. And this constant faux concern and whataboutery is so pathetic by the way.

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 16:48

DifferentNameForQuestion · 16/02/2026 16:06

I hear this claim but then others say it's not they think that they can get the UK government to not support Israel. Cannot see that happening personally. Israel is a tiny country in the middle east and needs US mainly and backing of other countries to survive. If it wasn't fir their massive defence they would gave been wiped out years ago.

I do feel for the Jewish UK citizens who are more fearful living in the UK now. They, as everyone here, should feel safe.

How is the UK government supporting Israel? They are not.

It is time to ask ourselves why certain people in this country are so selective regarding their outrage.

The US supports Israel as a military ally against hostile terrorist nations, which protects their own national interests.

Without the IDF there would be no Israel. Without Hamas there would be peace.

Abhannmor · 16/02/2026 16:57

We are interested. Very much so. But our governments are not arming and funding the oppression in Iran. Do you see?

OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 16/02/2026 16:57

Because it’s always just about Jews.

ColdAsAWitches · 16/02/2026 17:01

How is the UK government supporting Israel? They are not.

They allow British made arms to be sold to Israel. They have flown thousands of drone and RAF flights over Gaza and given the footage to Israel. They have admitted that they have footage of IDF attacks on civilians in Gaza but won't release the footage. You gave to admit that is at least some level of support.

Twiglets1 · 16/02/2026 17:12

ColdAsAWitches · 16/02/2026 17:01

How is the UK government supporting Israel? They are not.

They allow British made arms to be sold to Israel. They have flown thousands of drone and RAF flights over Gaza and given the footage to Israel. They have admitted that they have footage of IDF attacks on civilians in Gaza but won't release the footage. You gave to admit that is at least some level of support.

Re British made arms being sold to Israel, people may like to read the facts:

The Labour Government review, 2024

On taking office in July 2024, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, commissioned an up-to-date assessment of “Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of war in Gaza”.

On 2 September 2024, Mr Lammy announced the suspension of around 30 licences to Israel. These include components for fighter aircraft (F-16s), parts for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones), naval systems, and targeting equipment.

Licences are permitted for items which the government assesses are not for military use in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These include items such as trainer aircraft and naval equipment, and dual-use items for civilian use in telecoms and data equipment.

Mr Lammy also said the decision would not affect the F-35 programme that supplies aircraft to more than 20 countries (except where components go directly to Israel, which are included in the action). Mr Lammy said the global F-35 supply chain is “vital for the security of the UK, our allies and NATO”.

Mr Lammy said he had decided to suspend licences because he had concluded that for certain UK arms exports to Israel “there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.

Suspension of some arms and not an arms embargo

Mr Lammy told the Commons that the UK’s action was not a “blanket ban or an arms embargo” because Israel must have the right to defend itself against Hezbollah (based in Lebanon), the Houthis (based in Yemen) and Hamas. Mr Lammy said that the UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence, in line with international law, and that the “point of the process” is “in no way to punish Israel, but to make sure that our export licensing regime remains among the most robust in the world”.

commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9964/

HappyFace2025 · 16/02/2026 17:15

KatsPJs · 16/02/2026 16:44

Tell that to Israel. And this constant faux concern and whataboutery is so pathetic by the way.

What 'faux concern'? And to/about whom?

HRTQueen · 16/02/2026 17:17

Swiftie1878 · 16/02/2026 15:52

It’s because Israel is supposed to be a part of the international order - civilised, democratic and law-abiding. We hold it to a higher standard than the likes of Iran.

^ this

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 17:18

Twiglets1 · 16/02/2026 17:12

Re British made arms being sold to Israel, people may like to read the facts:

The Labour Government review, 2024

On taking office in July 2024, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, commissioned an up-to-date assessment of “Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of war in Gaza”.

On 2 September 2024, Mr Lammy announced the suspension of around 30 licences to Israel. These include components for fighter aircraft (F-16s), parts for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones), naval systems, and targeting equipment.

Licences are permitted for items which the government assesses are not for military use in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These include items such as trainer aircraft and naval equipment, and dual-use items for civilian use in telecoms and data equipment.

Mr Lammy also said the decision would not affect the F-35 programme that supplies aircraft to more than 20 countries (except where components go directly to Israel, which are included in the action). Mr Lammy said the global F-35 supply chain is “vital for the security of the UK, our allies and NATO”.

Mr Lammy said he had decided to suspend licences because he had concluded that for certain UK arms exports to Israel “there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.

Suspension of some arms and not an arms embargo

Mr Lammy told the Commons that the UK’s action was not a “blanket ban or an arms embargo” because Israel must have the right to defend itself against Hezbollah (based in Lebanon), the Houthis (based in Yemen) and Hamas. Mr Lammy said that the UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence, in line with international law, and that the “point of the process” is “in no way to punish Israel, but to make sure that our export licensing regime remains among the most robust in the world”.

commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9964/

Exactly, the British government is in no way supporting Israel. There are no funds or defense equipment provided.

Twiglets1 · 16/02/2026 17:24

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 17:18

Exactly, the British government is in no way supporting Israel. There are no funds or defense equipment provided.

I agree.

Oxfam make the point that the UK provides approximately 15% of the components in the F-35 fighter jets which are used in airstrikes across the occupied Palestinian territory. However, I believe this has been addressed by David Lammy in his statement above that the global F-35 supply chain is “vital for the security of the UK, our allies and NATO”.

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 17:30

Twiglets1 · 16/02/2026 17:24

I agree.

Oxfam make the point that the UK provides approximately 15% of the components in the F-35 fighter jets which are used in airstrikes across the occupied Palestinian territory. However, I believe this has been addressed by David Lammy in his statement above that the global F-35 supply chain is “vital for the security of the UK, our allies and NATO”.

It is key to highlight that it is a private company that is selling these parts.

Twiglets1 · 16/02/2026 17:32

Aislyn · 16/02/2026 17:30

It is key to highlight that it is a private company that is selling these parts.

Noted, thank you.

YouAreTheCauseOfMyHeadache · 16/02/2026 17:35

Iran has killed 36500 civilians in 2 days, that is half of the alleged toll in Gaza over 2+ years.

Not a peep.
Perhaps the great keffiyehs of the west are all in the wash at the moment.
Perhaps its a bit awkward to be seen protesting against a country that funds Hamas to murder Jews.
Perhaps they're not feeling very brave about protesting against murderous radical islamic regimes. Nobody fancies those repercussions.
Perhaps its not about women and children dying, or genocide, at all.

Who knows.
And of course, we don't and won't like "whataboutery" when its so glaringly awkward.