EU Foreign Ministers Push for Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza

Several European governments are intensifying efforts to secure support within the European Union for sanctions against Israel due to its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states convened in Copenhagen for two days of discussions, with the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza dominating the agenda.

Despite calls for action, proposals to impose even limited sanctions against Israel face significant opposition from several member states. Key opponents include Germany and Italy, two of the EU’s largest economies, alongside Hungary, Czechia, and Austria. This resistance has stalled any unified response to the situation in Gaza.

The foreign ministers of Sweden and the Netherlands are advocating for the suspension of the EU-Israel free-trade agreement, citing the “intolerable” conditions in Gaza. In a letter sent on August 27, Ruben Brekelmans, acting foreign minister of the Netherlands, and Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish foreign minister, emphasized the need for increased pressure on the Israeli government to comply with international law. They called for an immediate ceasefire, the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

In remarks reflecting the urgency of the humanitarian crisis, Simon Harris, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, described the situation in Gaza as “nothing short of catastrophic.” He expressed his intention to advocate for EU action during the Copenhagen meeting, stating that while Ireland would pursue national measures, collective EU action is essential for maintaining credibility.

The conflict, which escalated following the attacks by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in at least 62,800 Palestinian fatalities over nearly two years of warfare. Reports from humanitarian organizations indicate that parts of Gaza have declared famine, with warnings that the crisis could worsen if Israel continues to limit aid entry.

In response to the escalating situation, the European Commission proposed suspending Israel’s access to an EU funding program for start-up companies in late July. However, this measure requires the approval of a weighted majority among the 27 member states, and the influence of Germany and Italy remains a significant barrier to progress.

The letter from the Dutch and Swedish foreign ministers urged the European Commission to consider broader sanctions, including the suspension of the EU’s free-trade agreement with Israel. They condemned plans to expand illegal Israeli settlements and sever the connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem as “unacceptable.”

As the discussions in Copenhagen unfold, the outcome may shape the EU’s approach to its relationship with Israel and its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.