Gaza War | European Union increases pressure on Israel

For months, there has been little to say from the European Union about the Gaza war—other than warnings to Israel to show consideration for the civilian population. Member states are too divided on how to deal with Israel. This makes the decision by EU foreign ministers on Tuesday to review the Association Agreement with Israel, which guarantees trade benefits for both sides, all the more surprising.

According to diplomats , 17 of the 27 EU member states pushed for a review under an article in the agreement that calls for respect for human rights. Germany was apparently not among them. The German government, however, defends the cooperation agreement, saying it offers "a forum that must be used to raise critical questions," a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Berlin on Wednesday.

Israel reacts with outrage

The Netherlands, among others, are accusing Israel of violating basic principles. Since the beginning of March, Israel has allowed almost no aid into the Gaza Strip ; a few truckloads have since arrived. Until Israel's compliance with the treaty has been verified, the Netherlands refused to agree to a currently planned two-year extension of the EU-Israel Action Plan.

The Israeli government reacted to the EU decision as expected: "We completely reject the course taken in the statement," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said on Tuesday in the online service X. The move reflected "a complete misunderstanding of the complex reality facing Israel."

Israel's disregard for international law became clear Wednesday afternoon in the occupied West Bank: Israeli soldiers shot at diplomats in Jenin. "We call on Israel to investigate this incident and hold those responsible to account," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. According to the Israeli army, these were "warning shots" because the diplomats had "deviated" from the intended route. With agencies