Key points
- Bloc divided over sanctions and Israel relations
- Leaders pledge humanitarian aid, discuss Cyprus route
- Denmark, Germany join US-led Gaza stabilization effort
BRUSSELS: European Union leaders are seeking a more assertive role in Gaza and the occupied West Bank after being sidelined from the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Meeting in Brussels on Thursday, EU heads of state — gathered mainly to discuss Ukraine and Russia — also addressed the fragile Gaza truce, pledging support for stability and reconstruction in the region.
The EU remains the largest donor to the Palestinians and Israel’s leading trading partner, according to AP News.
“It is important that Europe not only watches but plays an active role,” said Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden. “Gaza is not over; peace is not yet permanent,” he added.
The conflict has divided the 27-member bloc and strained relations with Israel to historic lows. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in September plans for sanctions and partial trade restrictions against Israel to push for a peace deal, though momentum stalled after the US-mediated truce.
Maintaining possible sanctions
Despite this, several European leaders — including those from Ireland and the Netherlands — insist that maintaining possible sanctions gives Brussels leverage to curb Israeli military action.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc should “play a role in Gaza and not just pay.” Leaders pledged humanitarian aid, possibly via a maritime route from Cyprus, and discussed expanding a West Bank police support mission to Gaza under the 20-point ceasefire plan.
At least two EU members, Denmark and Germany, have joined the US-led stabilization force overseeing the truce. Meanwhile, Spain and Slovenia have imposed arms embargoes on Israel, and protests across Europe have intensified.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Israel’s war a “genocide,” announcing restrictions on arms and fuel shipments. The debate has even reached culture — with calls to exclude Israel from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
