EU Foreign Ministers Push for Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza

Several European Union governments are intensifying efforts to secure support for sanctions against Israel due to its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Foreign ministers from the EU’s 27 member states are convening in Copenhagen for a two-day meeting, focusing on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, which have dominated the agenda.

Despite the urgency of the situation, proposals for any EU action against Israel face significant opposition. Key member states, including Germany and Italy, alongside Hungary, Czechia, and Austria, have blocked moves to impose sanctions. This resistance complicates the EU’s ability to present a unified response to the crisis.

During the meeting, foreign ministers from Sweden and the Netherlands urged their counterparts to consider suspending the EU-Israel free-trade agreement, citing the “intolerable” conditions in Gaza. In a letter dated August 27, Ruben Brekelmans, acting foreign minister of the Netherlands, and Maria Malmer Stenergard, Swedish foreign minister, argued for increased pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to international law.

The letter emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants. The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically since Israel launched its military invasion in response to the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which resulted in extensive casualties and humanitarian crises.

The humanitarian impact has been severe, with reports indicating that at least 62,800 Palestinians have died due to Israeli military actions over nearly two years of conflict. A humanitarian monitor has declared famine in parts of Gaza, warning that conditions could worsen if aid access remains restricted.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and stated he would advocate for EU action during the Copenhagen discussions. Harris emphasized that while Ireland would pursue its own national measures, the EU must act to maintain its credibility in global affairs.

In late July, the European Commission proposed suspending Israel’s access to an EU funding program for start-up companies. However, this initiative requires a weighted majority of the member states to pass, and current opposition from Germany and Italy presents a significant hurdle.

The letter from the Dutch and Swedish ministers went further, calling for the EU to consider suspending its free-trade agreement with Israel. It condemned plans to expand illegal Israeli settlements and criticized actions that further isolate the West Bank from occupied Palestinian territories in East Jerusalem.

As discussions unfold in Copenhagen, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with calls for urgent international intervention growing louder. The outcome of these talks could determine the EU’s stance on one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.