“Israel is causing us great concern... Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas attacks, but it must remain a state committed to humanitarian obligations and international law,” said German Chancellor Merz, who in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed concern for both the fate of the hostages and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Additionally, the incoming German foreign minister questioned whether Israel, through its military campaign in Gaza, could truly achieve all its strategic objectives, and whether this path serves its long-term interests.
The restraint shown by both men—who are known for their pro-Israel positions—does not necessarily reflect the position of most of Germany’s EU partners or the union as a whole. The EU’s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who sought to reset relations with Israel after a strained period under her predecessor, Josep Borrell, issued a joint statement with other EU commissioners calling on Israel to lift the siege on Gaza and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. They emphasized that it is “Israel’s duty as an occupying power” to provide essential assistance. They also argued that the proposed mechanism for delivering aid through private companies undermines humanitarian principles, and they offered EU assistance in food distribution.
Meanwhile, sharp criticism came from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Ireland, and Spain—with the latter announcing its intention to move forward with recognizing a Palestinian state. In contrast, countries like Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, which support Israel’s position, opposed calls for a ceasefire, arguing that it would harm Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas.
Some EU member states went further than criticism and called for a reassessment of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This discussion is scheduled to take place on May 20. Given the internal disagreements within the EU, it is likely that Kallas will again struggle to forge a unified position on concrete measures to give expression to criticism of Israel’s humanitarian conduct. Nonetheless, this will not prevent individual member states from taking unilateral action at the bilateral level.
“Israel is causing us great concern... Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas attacks, but it must remain a state committed to humanitarian obligations and international law,” said German Chancellor Merz, who in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed concern for both the fate of the hostages and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Additionally, the incoming German foreign minister questioned whether Israel, through its military campaign in Gaza, could truly achieve all its strategic objectives, and whether this path serves its long-term interests.
The restraint shown by both men—who are known for their pro-Israel positions—does not necessarily reflect the position of most of Germany’s EU partners or the union as a whole. The EU’s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who sought to reset relations with Israel after a strained period under her predecessor, Josep Borrell, issued a joint statement with other EU commissioners calling on Israel to lift the siege on Gaza and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. They emphasized that it is “Israel’s duty as an occupying power” to provide essential assistance. They also argued that the proposed mechanism for delivering aid through private companies undermines humanitarian principles, and they offered EU assistance in food distribution.
Meanwhile, sharp criticism came from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Ireland, and Spain—with the latter announcing its intention to move forward with recognizing a Palestinian state. In contrast, countries like Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, which support Israel’s position, opposed calls for a ceasefire, arguing that it would harm Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas.
Some EU member states went further than criticism and called for a reassessment of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This discussion is scheduled to take place on May 20. Given the internal disagreements within the EU, it is likely that Kallas will again struggle to forge a unified position on concrete measures to give expression to criticism of Israel’s humanitarian conduct. Nonetheless, this will not prevent individual member states from taking unilateral action at the bilateral level.