International Effort to Distancing Israel Due to Allegations of Gaza Massacre

In recent developments, tensions between the European Union (EU) and Israel have escalated over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Belgium has voiced its support for a full trade review of EU-Israel agreements, joining a growing chorus of criticism against Israel's actions. This call for a review comes as Dr. Haj Hassan, a pediatric intensive care physician, testified before the European Parliament, painting a grim picture of the conditions in Gaza. Dr. Hassan described hospitals bombed to rubble, infants incinerated in incubators, and children begging to die after learning their families had been wiped out by airstrikes.

The moral indictment of the European Union's complicity in enabling the war through arms exports, trade deals, and diplomatic cover has led over 70 former Eurovision contestants to demand Israel's exclusion from the 2025 contest. They liken Israel's treatment of Palestinians to Russia's actions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Notable individuals, such as former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe "Bogi" Ya'alon, have accused the army of carrying out ethnic cleansing and turning soldiers into war criminals. Mark Pritchard MP, a long-time Israel supporter, has also reversed course, stating that Israel's actions are not self-defense but systemic destruction.

Other EU countries are following suit in taking decisive, coordinated steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp accused Israel of undermining humanitarian aid principles by demanding control over Gaza's relief distribution.

The UK Parliament has denounced Israel's conduct and called for a total arms embargo, sanctions on Israeli ministers, a ban on settlement goods, and formal recognition of the State of Palestine. Legal experts have warned UK officials that continued military support to Israel may result in future international legal action.

Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel expressed concern that Palestinians may cease to exist due to Israel's actions. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell directly rebuked Europe itself for failing to act and called for the suspension of arms exports and a review of all EU-Israel agreements.

Ireland's Green Party has demanded the EU invoke Article 2 of the EU-Israel agreement in response to human rights violations. The Netherlands is leading the legal and diplomatic charge, restricting all dual-use exports to Israel, enforcing individual inspections of every shipment, and planning to veto any renewal of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The increasing breakdown of diplomatic and economic relations between the European Union and Israel is indicated by the EU's decision to suspend all bilateral payments to Israel and partially suspend the trade components of their association agreement. This reflects deep divisions within Europe and growing criticism of Israel's policies, signaling a significant deterioration in their relations.

Moreover, Yemen's resistance to Israel's war has disrupted air traffic, exposed the failure of U.S.-made THAAD systems, caused Eilat's main southern port to declare bankruptcy, and left Netanyahu globally isolated. Adding to this, over 50% of Israeli reservists are reportedly refusing to serve.

These developments underscore the growing international pressure on Israel to change its policies in Gaza and towards the Palestinians. The future of EU-Israel relations remains uncertain as both parties grapple with the complexities of the ongoing conflict.