EU Faces Backlash for Pausing Sanctions Against Israel Amid Fragile Middle East Peace Efforts

The European Union (EU) is under fire for its recent decision to pause sanctions against Israel’s government following Donald Trump’s controversial peacemaking initiatives in the Middle East. As a fragile ceasefire faces ongoing threats, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the halt after meetings with foreign ministers, citing a shift in context since the sanctions were proposed last month. Kallas remarked on the division among member states during the discussions, stating, "We don’t move with the measures now but we don’t take them off the table either because the situation is fragile." This statement came following widespread criticism from former EU officials who argue that sanctions should not only be seen as tools to coerce or persuade another party. Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, a former EU representative to the Palestinian territories, emphasized that these measures are essential for upholding legal accountability in response to violations of both European and international laws. In June, the EU concluded that Israel had breached its human rights obligations under an association agreement concerning trade and cooperation. Legal experts also point out that the EU is expected to align its policies with a forthcoming non-binding opinion from the International Court of Justice, which calls for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories at the earliest possible date. Burgsdorff, alongside 414 other former diplomats, recently co-signed a statement demanding significant EU action against extremists whose actions threaten the call for a future Palestinian state. While welcoming Trump’s proposed plan, the statement criticized the vague treatment of Palestinian self-determination. Former adviser to multiple EU foreign policy high representatives, Nathalie Tocci, cautioned against the implications of abandoning sanctions, arguing that this is exactly the moment when pressure must be maintained. "It would be the worst possible outcome for the bloc to ditch sanctions, as we know the implementation of this plan is far from guaranteed," she explained. As the Israel-Gaza conflict remains deeply polarizing among EU leaders—divided between pro-Palestine nations like Spain and Ireland and staunch allies of Israel such as Hungary and the Czech Republic—recent protests across member states have reignited calls for action in response to high casualty figures and suffering in Gaza. This led to proposals from the European Commission for trade suspension and sanctions against individuals inciting further conflict. In response to ongoing criticisms that the EU is merely a "payer not a player" in Middle Eastern affairs, EU officials assert that they should actively engage in peace processes, especially considering their financial contributions to Palestinian aid totaling €15 billion. Furthermore, they believe the bloc should be represented on Trump's peace board due to its proposed reconstruction contributions to Gaza, which are estimated at €70 billion. Although the EU has welcomed Trump's peace plan, a leaked document indicates that critical aspects such as the role of the Palestinian Authority and a two-state solution require further clarification. According to Burgsdorff, it is crucial for the EU to actively shape discussions to address the missing components of this plan, including the status of settlements and fostering a viable path to a two-state solution. A robust UN mandate that involves international partners in ensuring security in Gaza is also considered essential, with Egypt likely to lead an international stabilization force. Ahead of an upcoming meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, EU leaders echoed the importance of a proactive diplomatic role to move beyond financial assistance. Claudio Francavilla, an associate director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the EU’s current protection of Israeli authorities from accountability. He stated, "While the intensity of Israeli actions in Gaza may differ, unlawful occupation and apartheid practices continue unchecked." As the EU convenes to discuss its approach to the ongoing conflict, the implications of their decisions remain profound. Critics call for a determined EU stance that not only supports peace but also holds violators accountable, emphasizing that the political ambitions of the bloc must match the urgency of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2