The EU and Germany speak out against Israel

Brussels. The Israeli bombing of a school in Gaza that provided shelter to Palestinian families is "abominable," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday in a call with Jordan's King Abdullah II.

"The expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza targeting civilian infrastructure, including a school that served as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, killing civilians, including children, is abhorrent," he said, according to a statement.

In the telephone conversation, Von der Leyen noted that Israel must "immediately restore aid deliveries in accordance with humanitarian principles, with the participation of the United Nations and other international humanitarian partners."

"We call on the Israeli government to immediately end the current escalation," he said.

"We also call on the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas to immediately and without delay release the remaining hostages cruelly held since October 7, 2023," he added.

Von der Leyen assured Abdullah II that "Europe's commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution remains unwavering."

The EU, he added, has supported and will continue to support "Israel's right to security and self-defense, but this escalation and disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law."

Germany changes its tone

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz yesterday issued his harshest rebuke to Israel to date, criticizing the massive airstrikes on Gaza, saying they are no longer justified by the need to fight Hamas and are "no longer understandable."

The message, delivered at a press conference in Finland, reflects a broader shift in public opinion, but also a greater willingness among senior German politicians to criticize Israel's conduct since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.

Merz's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, made similar criticisms, and his coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party, called for a halt to arms exports to Israel or risk making Germany complicit in war crimes.

While not a complete break, the change in tone is significant in a country whose leaders pursue a policy of special responsibility toward Israel, known as Staatsraeson, due to the legacy of the Nazi Holocaust.

Germany has been, along with the United States, one of Israel's staunchest supporters.