One Year After October 7: EU-Israel Relations Under Strain

One year after the deadly Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left over 1,200 dead and more than 250 taken hostage, relations between the European Union and Israel have become increasingly tense. The initial European response to the attacks was one of solidarity with Israel, with the EU expressing its unequivocal condemnation and affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. However, as Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has continued, the unity within the EU on how to approach the conflict has weakened.

EU Solidarity Cracks Over Cease-Fire Debate

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, European leaders displayed a rare moment of unity, standing firmly in support of Israel’s right to self-defense. This support, however, began to fracture as the war escalated. The question of whether to call for a full cease-fire or temporary humanitarian pauses in hostilities has divided EU member states. Countries like Germany and the Czech Republic resisted calls for a cease-fire, arguing that it would undermine Israel’s right to defend itself. In contrast, nations such as Spain and Ireland pushed for immediate action to halt the violence, reflecting the growing rift within the EU on how to handle the conflict.

At the same time, European leaders, including German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, have voiced concerns over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza and Israel’s continued settlement policies in the West Bank. The humanitarian situation has drawn global attention, with many calling for Israel to exercise restraint in its military actions.

Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza and European Criticism

The Israeli ground offensive in Gaza has further strained EU-Israel relations. According to reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 41,000 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict. While Israel continues to assert its right to target Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and other Western nations, the high number of civilian casualties has shifted European public opinion.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on Israel to take greater care in protecting civilians. Despite these concerns, Israel remains firm in its stance, claiming that Hamas uses civilians as shields, complicating the military operations in densely populated areas.

Divided European Response to the Conflict

European leaders are now grappling with the long-term implications of the conflict. Many are critical of Israel’s policies but are reluctant to impose harsher sanctions or take stronger measures. The EU did impose limited sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank earlier in 2024, citing human rights violations against Palestinians, but these actions have not extended to the broader conflict.

Germany, which has traditionally been a strong supporter of Israel, continues to play a significant role in EU discussions. However, growing public unease over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has made the German government cautious in its diplomatic approach. Foreign Minister Baerbock, while reaffirming Germany’s support for Israel, has emphasized that military action alone will not bring peace to the region.

Ongoing Protests and Tensions in Europe

The Israel-Hamas war has also impacted European societies, with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests occurring frequently across major cities, particularly in Germany and France. In Berlin, demonstrations in support of both sides of the conflict have been marked by clashes between protesters. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations, some of which have featured rhetoric denying Israel’s right to exist, have heightened concerns about rising anti-Semitism in Europe.

The Jewish community in Germany, already sensitive to rising anti-Semitic incidents, has reported feeling increasingly unsafe since the escalation of the conflict. Jewish students and institutions have faced threats, and the number of anti-Semitic crimes has risen sharply, with more than 370 cases being reported in Berlin alone during the first half of 2024.

On the other side, Palestinians in Germany have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of empathy from the public and media. They feel their voices are being marginalized in the broader debate about the conflict, leading to a sense of alienation within the country.

The Future of EU-Israel Relations

While the EU continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable resolution to the conflict, this position seems increasingly difficult to realize. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, and a majority of the Israeli parliament has firmly opposed the two-state solution.

Internally, the EU faces challenges in maintaining a unified stance. Some member states, including Ireland and Spain, have recognized Palestinian statehood, further complicating the EU’s approach. At the same time, the EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, and diplomatic ties, particularly through the EU-Israel Association Agreement, provide significant leverage that the bloc has yet to fully utilize.

Looking forward, the strained relationship between the EU and Israel is likely to persist unless a breakthrough in the peace process is achieved. With European leaders divided and Israel remaining firm in its military strategy, finding a path forward that satisfies all parties appears increasingly challenging.