EU Faces Mounting Pressure Over Inaction on Israel as Gaza Crisis Deepens
The EU faces growing backlash for inaction on Israel amid the Gaza crisis. Internal political divisions stall sanctions as humanitarian concerns mount.
NewsSutra
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, the European Union finds itself at a crossroads—torn between diplomatic caution and mounting calls for moral accountability. Despite a legal framework that enables sanctions against nations accused of human rights violations, the EU remains paralysed by internal political divisions, raising questions about its credibility as a global defender of human rights.
The ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, sparked by escalating tensions with Hamas, have led to thousands of civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and growing allegations of war crimes. Yet, unlike its swift moves in other global conflicts, such as sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the EU’s hesitancy on Israel has drawn sharp rebuke from humanitarian organisations, legal experts, and some of its own members.
Growing Humanitarian Emergency in Gaza
Since the conflict reignited, Gaza has faced a relentless siege—cut off from water, electricity, medical supplies, and food. According to reports from Human Rights Watch, the Israeli government’s blockade and targeted bombings have led to unprecedented humanitarian distress. Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, hospitals are overwhelmed, and nearly half the population has been displaced.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the latest escalation began, with a majority being women and children. In response, UN agencies have called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the situation is quickly becoming irreversible.
Legal Mechanisms Exist—But Are Being Ignored
Under the EU's Human Rights Clause, member states are legally permitted to impose sanctions on nations accused of serious human rights violations. This clause is embedded in most of the EU’s trade and cooperation agreements, including its Association Agreement with Israel, which is supposed to be conditional on respect for human rights and democratic principles.
Yet despite ample evidence and the invocation of these mechanisms by groups like Amnesty International, the EU has yet to take any concrete action. The European External Action Service (EEAS) has reiterated that any punitive measures would require unanimous consent from all 27 member states—a threshold that has proven impossible to meet due to ideological divisions and geopolitical interests.
Internal Divisions Undermine Collective Action
While countries like Ireland, Spain, and Belgium have called for a reassessment of the EU-Israel relationship, others such as Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic continue to support Israel’s military campaign, framing it as an act of self-defence. This stark contrast in foreign policy stances has led to institutional gridlock, frustrating efforts to respond meaningfully to the Gaza crisis.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for instance, has resisted any move to suspend trade agreements or impose sanctions, citing Germany's historical responsibility towards Israel. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has gone as far as to block joint statements condemning Israeli actions, further showcasing how bilateral alliances can undermine EU cohesion.
The political stalemate has drawn intense criticism from European lawmakers, such as MEP Clare Daly, who stated during a parliamentary session, “How can we claim to champion human rights globally when we remain silent in the face of collective punishment in Gaza?”
Civil Society Demands Accountability
Pressure is mounting from civil society, legal scholars, and advocacy groups urging the EU to live up to its foundational values of human dignity, freedom, and justice. Several human rights organisations, including the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), have called for a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing its Article 2 clause on human rights compliance.
In addition, hundreds of academics from across Europe have signed open letters to the European Commission demanding that it enforce international humanitarian law and reconsider its diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. The academic boycott of Israeli institutions is also gaining traction, particularly in universities across the UK, France, and the Netherlands.
Legal expert Dr. Tineke Strik, a member of the European Parliament and a professor of international law, noted in a recent policy paper, “The EU’s failure to act undermines its legitimacy and sends a dangerous message that international law is selective and political.”
Trade Relations Under Scrutiny
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to over €46.8 billion in 2023. Critics argue that continued economic cooperation without accountability sends a dangerous signal, particularly when trade includes items from Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law.
Campaigns like “Don’t Buy Into Occupation”, a coalition of over 30 European organisations, are calling for EU-wide bans on imports from Israeli settlements. A recent report by Oxfam revealed that millions of euros worth of goods from occupied territories continue to be sold in European markets, despite being in violation of EU consumer protection and labeling laws.
If the EU wants to maintain credibility, experts argue, it must begin by enforcing its own regulations, especially those already in place regarding origin labeling and ethical sourcing.
A Call for Moral Leadership
The longer the EU delays action, the more it risks being seen as complicit. The Gaza crisis is not merely a geopolitical issue—it is a humanitarian catastrophe with long-term consequences for global stability and human rights. The question confronting the EU is no longer just about legality—it’s about moral clarity.
Public opinion across Europe appears to be shifting. Large-scale protests in London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels have called out EU hypocrisy. Many citizens are demanding that their leaders show the same moral urgency that was evident during the Ukraine crisis.
As Pope Francis recently remarked, “Every war is a defeat. Stop in the name of God.” His statement has resonated deeply with many Europeans who are urging their governments to step up—not just with words, but with concrete action.
The Path Forward
For the EU to regain its role as a global ethical leader, it must:
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Initiate an independent review of its Association Agreement with Israel.
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Enforce existing EU trade laws related to goods from occupied territories.
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Push for a unified foreign policy stance through diplomatic consensus.
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Work alongside the International Criminal Court to ensure accountability for war crimes.
Most importantly, the EU must understand that neutrality in the face of oppression is not a sign of diplomacy—but of moral failure.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will the European Union act with courage, or remain shackled by politics?
