European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent wave of airstrikes that caused significant civilian casualties and damage to non-military infrastructure in Gaza. This is the latest move from Europe in pressing Israel to soon find a solution to the conflict.
Shifting European attitudes
The European Commission head described the Israeli actions as “disproportionate” and “unjustifiable under humanitarian and international law,” marking a significant shift in von der Leyen’s stance, a leader previously known for her staunch pro-Israel views, and signals a broader change in the European Union's viewpoint toward Israel’s military policies in Gaza. The criticism continued firm actions and statements from European leaders over the past week.
At their Summit on May 19, EU and UK leaders described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "unacceptable" and demanded that Israel cease its blockade and allow unhindered humanitarian access. One day later, the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada issued a joint statement urging Israel to halt its renewed military offensive, warning that targeted sanctions could follow if the demands were ignored.
That same day, EU foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, discussed, for the first time, revisiting certain provisions of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, the core framework governing their political and economic relations. 17 out of 27 EU foreign ministers voiced support for reassessing trade ties with Israel.
Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Veldkamp said: "I believe that also, uh, Mrs. von der Leyen, uh, sees it as very important that Europe gives a clear signal to Israel now that about the concern that we're having in Europe, also in our societies and politics, about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the intensified Israeli war effort."
Many European countries that initially supported Israel after the October 2024 outbreak of the Gaza conflict are now losing patience with its current policy trajectory. There is also a rising call within the EU for tougher, more tangible actions.
Following a meeting in Madrid with Arab countries on May 25 to address the Gaza crisis, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said: “We must all push for an arms embargo. What the Middle East needs at least right now is weapons and we must review our sanctions list to ensure that those opposing a two-state solution which we consider the best path to peace and stability, are not allowed to prevail.”
US role
Pressure is also mounting from the United Kingdom, one of Israel’s closest allies. On May 20, in its most forceful move yet, the UK suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, summoned the Israeli ambassador, and announced sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a statement to Parliament, warned that Israel was disregarding the concerns of its allies and damaging its long-standing relationships.
Observers note that this growing diplomatic backlash is largely driven by the staggering human toll in Gaza. According to the United Nations, over 53,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed while the humanitarian crisis is likely to become rapidly deteriorating in the next few weeks
At the Gaza Conference in Madrid on May 25, diplomats expressed doubts that European pressure alone could produce a breakthrough without US involvement.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said: "Well, obviously, the United States is a very important stakeholder in the Middle East region. We would like to see them engaged, as much as possible. Their efforts in terms of Gaza ceasefire is appreciated, but we also want to see them hopefully in New York for the International Peace Conference. So hopefully, more engagement, positive engagement by the US will bring help bring peace and stability for the region."
In a positive development, the Jerusalem Post reported on May 25 that, according to two sources familiar with the matter, the United States has recently urged Israel to postpone a full-scale military offensive in the Gaza Strip to allow space for negotiations on a potential hostage exchange deal with Hamas.
Meanwhile, the US continues to pursue indirect talks with Hamas through regional intermediaries, although the Israeli government on May 22 recalled its negotiating team with Hamas from Qatar. Observers believe that the US will still play a key role in any agreement to resolve the Gaza conflict in the future.