EU Leaders Toughen Stance on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

‍ ⁤ Updated May 28, 2025
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European Union ‌leaders are adopting a more ​critical tone regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, reflecting widespread concern over the conflict’s impact. ‌This shift, especially⁢ noticeable in⁣ Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, comes amid increasing reports‌ of suffering in the region. ​However, deep‌ divisions‍ within the bloc ‍could hinder any ⁢real-world‌ impact on the ground.

German Chancellor ⁢Friedrich Merz stated he “no longer⁤ understands” Israel’s objectives after an Israeli strike resulted⁣ in numerous casualties, including‍ children,⁢ at a Gaza school-turned-shelter. Merz questioned⁢ whether the impact on civilians could be justified in the fight against Hamas.Ursula von ⁢der Leyen, head of the European commission, echoed this sentiment, denouncing attacks⁣ on civilian infrastructure‍ as “abhorrent” ⁤and ⁣”disproportionate.”

An EU diplomat ​described the language⁣ as “strong and unheard⁣ of” ⁤from von ‌der Leyen, who initially rallied​ to Israel’s side following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. according to one EU official, Merz’s stance ⁤has influenced the shift in Brussels. Julien⁤ Barnes-Dacey, head of the Middle East ⁣program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted a “sea change of European public opinion” ​reflected⁣ in the evolving rhetoric.

Despite⁢ the change ​in rhetoric, translating ‌this into concrete action ⁤remains a challenge. Germany, a major arms supplier to‍ Israel, has resisted calls ‌to halt arms sales. However, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued ⁣a ⁣warning, stating that Germany defends international humanitarian law‍ and will intervene⁢ if‍ it is violated,⁢ potentially impacting future arms supplies.

The European union has​ struggled to exert influence ‍in the Middle East⁤ due to internal disagreements. Last ‌week, a review was launched to assess israel’s adherence to human rights⁤ principles under its⁤ association agreement with the EU, backed by 17 member states. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas aims to present ​options for next steps to foreign‌ ministers at a meeting in Brussels on June 23.

Suspending the⁣ EU-Israel accord requires ⁤unanimous support, which is considered ‌unlikely. While some member states, including Germany and Italy, initially opposed the review, barnes-Dacey suggests that a qualified⁣ majority might impose‍ restrictions ‍under the trade component of the agreement. The EU ⁣is Israel’s largest commercial‌ partner, with ⁣significant​ trade in goods ⁤and services.

Kristina Kausch, a Middle East ⁣expert ⁤at the German Marshall Fund, believes it is premature to declare a ⁢European policy shift, emphasizing that the ⁢review‌ of the​ association agreement is just ⁣that—a review. However,⁢ momentum is building to increase pressure, led by countries like Spain, Belgium, and Ireland. Belgium’s Foreign Minister, ⁢Maxime Prevot, stated that the situation “very much‍ looks like genocide.”

While Israel rejects accusations of⁤ genocide, even governments sympathetic​ to Palestinians are proceeding cautiously.One potential step​ forward is broader recognition of‌ Palestinian statehood, with France seeking progress ahead of a ⁢UN conference in June.Barnes-Dacey​ suggests this⁤ could impact Israel’s⁢ long-held sense of impunity.

What’s next

The EU is expected ‌to continue internal discussions on potential actions, including trade restrictions and diplomatic pressure,‌ while closely monitoring the situation in Gaza. The outcome of the review of ⁣the EU-Israel association agreement‌ will ‌be ⁢a key ‌indicator ​of future policy⁣ direction.