BRUSSELS — As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is increasingly pressured to reassess his strong backing for Israel and permit the European Union to impose penalties on Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
This week, the European Commission issued a stark warning regarding the crisis, highlighting the “humanitarian catastrophe” that threatens “virtually the entire Gaza population.” They proposed suspending certain provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in response to the escalating crisis.
A growing coalition of EU member states supports this initiative, yet Germany has been reluctant to endorse it, breaking from its historically firm allegiance to Israel. Diplomats from various EU countries expressed their frustration at Berlin’s stance, particularly after Merz indicated a desire to observe the situation’s progression over the coming days.
“The mere fact that the EU can’t even agree on the smallest step possible … is a joke in the face of the scale of the suffering,” Bushra Khalidi, the policy lead for Oxfam in the Palestinian territories, stated.
International scrutiny on Israel has surged in recent weeks, with dire predictions concerning the conditions facing hundreds of thousands in Gaza. Leaders across Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK opposition leader Keir Starmer, have announced intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, demanding that Netanyahu cease hostilities and facilitate significant access for humanitarian aid.
Urgent calls for action
On Monday, the European Commission abandoned diplomatic niceties, directly accusing Israel of breaching international humanitarian law. Their proposal characterized the looming famine threat to the Gaza population, alongside potential “thousands of civilian deaths” and a “collapse of basic services.” This document, which circulated among EU ambassadors, suggests partially suspending Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s primary research initiative. However, during the latest envoy meeting, Germany and three other countries blocked the proposal despite the urgent need for action.
Merz’s position appears to be softening, as he stated on Monday that Berlin would await the results of a forthcoming visit to Israel by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK. “We naturally reserve the right to hold further discussions and make further decisions,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the Israeli government to acknowledge the urgent need for intervention.
Internal and external pressures mount
Domestically, Merz is confronted with escalating demands for a reassessment of Germany’s unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing emergency in Gaza. The Social Democrats (SPD), part of the ruling coalition, along with segments of the opposition, are urging concrete actions to address the crisis. Derya Türk-Nachbaur, an SPD lawmaker, highlighted, “I would like us to decide on more concrete measures.”
Internal pressures may prove more persuasive than external demands, as one diplomatic source noted that even members of Merz’s Christian Democratic Union can no longer justify Israel’s actions. Italy, which has traditionally aligned with Germany in resisting the Commission’s plans, is reconsidering its position. Discussions are reportedly underway with the Israeli government regarding this shift.
Several EU nations are now eager for the Commission to intensify its response, potentially including a ban on the import of goods from the occupied territories. A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Minister indicated that the Netherlands would advocate for suspending the trade aspects of the EU-Israel association agreement due to the insufficient progress on humanitarian agreements.
As the diplomatic landscape continues to evolve rapidly, momentum may be building for a formal EU rebuke of Israel, beginning with the Horizon Europe suspension and possibly expanding to broader trade measures. Observers anticipate that Germany’s stance could change imminently, with EU ambassadors expected to reconvene for an emergency meeting to deliberate on the Commission’s proposals.
In the meantime, France and the UK are pursuing their recognition of a Palestinian state, with both countries set to take formal steps during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. The situation remains fluid, with various EU members grappling with how to respond to the crisis effectively.