EU leaders are set to meet in Brussels to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the EU’s struggle to present a unified front. The European Union has faced criticism for its mixed messages and conflicting national views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, after days of disagreement, EU leaders hope to project a united front by supporting calls for humanitarian pauses in the fighting.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is a significant concern for the EU leaders. They aim to facilitate access to essential supplies such as food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter. These pauses in the fighting would create safer conditions for the release of more than 200 hostages currently held by Hamas gunmen following their attack on October 7th. Among those held captive are European dual nationals from Germany, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
However, there are sharp divisions within the EU member states regarding the calls for a pause in the fighting. Some countries argue that it could be seen as limiting Israel’s right to self-defense. Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have taken strong stances in supporting Israel, while Spain and Ireland align more with the Palestinian cause.
Several European leaders have been engaging in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, including Italy’s Prime Minister, German Chancellor, and French President. These leaders have held talks with Egypt’s President, aiming to find ways to de-escalate the conflict.
The divisions among EU member states also extend to the European Commission. Hungary’s European Commissioner initially suspended payments and postponed new budget proposals in response to the Hamas attack, causing concern among aid agencies. However, the European Commission later clarified that aid would not be stopped but put under review, and they would even increase aid for Palestinians.
Criticism arose when European Commission President traveled to Israel and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself without explicitly emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law or engaging with the Palestinian Authority. Over 800 EU staff and diplomats signed an open letter, criticizing the “uncontrolled” support for Israel and pointing out double standards regarding Russia’s blockade of Ukraine.
The EU’s response to the conflict has been described as confusing and unfortunate by experts. In the past, the EU managed to maintain an even-handed position in Middle East conflicts, but the current situation reflects fundamentally opposing views among the 27 EU member states.
One significant challenge for the EU is to align its stance with the United States while not deviating from it entirely. Maintaining transatlantic solidarity is deemed crucial, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, EU diplomats highlight that the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East are vastly different.
The lack of a single voice within the EU remains a significant challenge, and the differences among member states are likely to resurface during the summit in Brussels. While the EU was created as a peace project after World War Two, it lacks the individual power of a major player in global conflicts, and its unity is often compromised by internal divisions.
Ultimately, the EU faces the challenge of engaging with the Middle East conflict after a prolonged period of disengagement. Finding a resolution and turning the tide of the conflict is a complex task that requires diplomatic finesse and concerted efforts from all parties involved.