Divided EU Summit Backs Off Pressuring Israel Over Gaza

A European Union summit ended without issuing new calls to pressure Israel over its ongoing operations in Gaza, reflecting deep divisions within the bloc over how to address the humanitarian crisis and Israel’s military strategy.

While some member states pushed for a firmer stance, including potential measures linking EU-Israel trade cooperation to humanitarian access in Gaza, others argued that such moves would damage diplomatic relations and undermine the bloc’s role as a mediator in the region.

Leaders ultimately settled on a statement expressing “concern” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reaffirming support for humanitarian corridors, but stopping short of endorsing sanctions or formal diplomatic pressure on Israel. Calls for an immediate ceasefire were notably absent from the final communique.

Diplomats noted that Germany, Hungary, and several Eastern European countries opposed taking stronger action, while nations like Ireland, Spain, and Belgium urged concrete steps to leverage EU-Israel relations for improved humanitarian outcomes in Gaza.

The summit also touched on broader Middle East instability and the potential for regional escalation, with leaders reiterating support for a two-state solution while recognizing “Israel’s security concerns” amid rocket attacks from Gaza.

The bloc’s inability to unify around stronger measures reflects longstanding fractures within the EU regarding Israel-Palestine policy, often dividing member states along ideological, historical, and trade interest lines.

With input from Al Jazeera