At a recent meeting in Brussels, the European Union’s 27 foreign ministers opted not to impose punitive measures on Israel over its military actions in Gaza. Instead, the ministers chose to “closely monitor” Israel’s adherence to a new agreement aimed at improving the flow of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
The decision followed an extensive review of ten potential response measures, including suspending visa-free travel and halting imports from Israeli settlements. These options were considered in response to findings that Israel may have breached its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Mixed Reactions from Israeli and Palestinian Officials
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, praised the EU’s move, calling it a “significant diplomatic achievement.” He commended EU member states for resisting what he described as “obsessive attempts” to sanction Israel, asserting that targeting a democratic nation defending itself was “outrageous.”
Conversely, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian-Shahin expressed deep disappointment. In an interview with Euronews, she described the EU’s inaction as “shocking,” especially in light of a recent EU report identifying 38 potential violations of international law by Israel, including restrictions on aid deliveries to Gaza.
“These violations are unfolding before the world’s eyes—killings, atrocities, and war crimes,” Aghabekian-Shahin said.
Humanitarian Aid and Continued Tensions
Both sides also responded differently to the EU’s agreement with Israel to boost humanitarian aid deliveries. While Sa’ar claimed Israel was fully complying, the Palestinian minister argued that killings have continued since the deal’s implementation, casting doubt on its effectiveness.
The two ministers attended the same EU-Southern Neighbourhood ministerial meeting in Brussels, which includes partners such as Syria and Libya. It marked the first high-level meeting featuring both Israeli and Palestinian representatives in Brussels since the Hamas attacks on October 7 and the ensuing Israeli military campaign.
However, direct dialogue did not occur. Sa’ar accused the Palestinian Authority of continuing to support terrorism, while the Palestinian side focused on human rights and the humanitarian crisis.
Future Implications
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas maintained that the EU’s list of options for responding to Israel’s actions remains “on the table” and warned that the bloc is prepared to act should Israel fail to uphold its commitments.
The EU’s choice to delay action underscores the bloc’s internal divisions and the complex dynamics shaping its foreign policy, especially concerning the Middle East conflict.
