International Community Displays Divided Opinions Regarding Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza Actions: "It's Disheartening Not to Exert More pressures"

In an informal gathering of EU Foreign Ministers in Copenhagen over the weekend, discussions focused on two major issues: a new package of sanctions against Russia and the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.

The EU meeting aimed to increase pressure on Moscow, following its actions during the war in Ukraine. Many member states have expressed their agreement that Russia should pay for the damages caused during the conflict. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasised this point, stating that all member states share this view.

However, consensus proved elusive when it came to sanctioning Israel for its offensive in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite 26 western states and the EU Commission, including most EU countries except Germany, calling for a strong response from the EU urging Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis, a majority of 15 countries was not obtained to move forward with the initiative.

Germany, the UK, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand specifically criticized Israel's plans in Gaza and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and respect international law. Germany, in particular, has limited the sending of weapons to Israel to maintain "humanitarian parameters" in the midst of the conflict. Denmark also supports imposing sanctions on some of the ministers of Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Spain has presented an action plan that includes an arms embargo on Israel, while Denmark shows favor to suspending the commercial chapter of the association agreement between the EU and Israel. José Manuel Albares, Spanish Foreign Minister, called for a strong EU response on Gaza, stating that "doing nothing has not solved anything" in relation to the situation.

Kallas expressed frustration about the lack of consensus, stating that many EU countries have taken measures, but there is no agreement on how to make the Israeli government change course. Pedro Arcos, a UN doctor, went as far as to describe the situation in Gaza as a clear attempt at genocide.

On the other hand, the EU Foreign Ministers could not reach a consensus to sanction Israel. Germany does not believe the measure to limit Israel's participation in the Horizon scientific program will be effective. Kallas stated that all member states agree that Russia should pay for the damages caused during the war in Ukraine, but the same unity was not present when it came to Israel.

The European Commission proposed to limit Israel's participation in the Horizon scientific program last July, but the necessary majority of 15 countries was not obtained to move forward with the initiative. Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Norway had previously condemned Israel's announcement of a permanent presence in Gaza.

As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the EU will be able to find a unified response to these complex and pressing issues. The EU Foreign Ministers also discussed the possibility of asking the United States to reconsider its decision to revoke visas for Palestinian diplomats before the next UN General Assembly. The action plan also includes expanding the list of sanctioned opponents of the two-state solution.

International Community Displays Divided Opinions Regarding Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza Actions: "It's Disheartening Not to Exert More pressures"