Across Southeast Asia, Israel's war on Gaza triggered some of the strongest public reactions to any external conflict in recent years. Protests, boycotts, and sustained online mobilization spread across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond, driven by anger over civilian casualties and perceived Western backing of Israel.
That reaction has seemingly solidified amid the still unresolved war between the US, Israel, and Iran. The disruptions stemming from the Middle East's latest war have turned it into a direct regional concern, hitting energy flows, trade routes, and overseas workers across Southeast Asia.
Across the region, state policy often appears to move separately from public sentiment.
Governments remain split between vocal support for Palestine, strategic neutrality, and limited alignment with Israel. The Philippines stands out in backing Israel, while most others are trying to avoid a clear break in either direction. Even where public sentiment
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