European Council President Antonio Costa has sharply criticised Israel’s plan for Gaza, asserting that a decision to implement it must have an impact on the EU’s relations with Tel Aviv.
Costa, who heads the institution that unites the 27 EU heads of State and Government, described the situation in Gaza as “dramatic,” adding that Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City would only worsen it. ”Such a decision must have consequences for relations between the EU and Israel," he warned on X.
"Not only (does the decision) violate the agreement with the EU announced by the High Representative on July 19 but it also undermines fundamental principles of international law and universal values,” he stressed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also urged Israel, on Friday, to reconsider its plan for Gaza. In late June, the European Commission determined that Israel had violated a clause in its association agreement with the EU concerning human rights.
In response, the Commission proposed suspending some European funding for Israeli start-ups, although this decision has yet to be approved by EU Member States.
The 27 Member States have been deeply divided over their stance on Israel ever since the Gaza conflict began. Some countries, including Germany, have long supported Israel’s actions, pointing to its right to self-defence under international law. Others, such as Spain, describe the situation in Gaza as “genocide” against the Palestinians.
In a significant policy shift, Berlin announced on Friday that it is suspending the export of weapons that Israel could use in Gaza.
Within the Commission, perspectives are also beginning to change. In an interview with Politico this week, Vice President Teresa Ribera noted that the situation in Gaza “strongly resembled” a “genocide.”
