EU Nations Urge Stronger Action on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Ahead of Council Meeting

Four EU Nations Call for Decisive EU Stance

Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Luxembourg have jointly urged the European Union to exert its 'considerable leverage' on Israel to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. This call came in a joint letter dated December 14, addressed to EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas, ahead of a Foreign Affairs Council meeting held on December 15 in Brussels. The nations emphasized the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.

The appeal underscored growing concern over the lack of progress in improving conditions for civilians in Gaza, despite earlier ceasefire efforts. The four countries also reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, warning that settlement expansion, annexation, and demographic changes in occupied Palestinian territory are 'illegal' and 'must cease immediately'.

Escalating Humanitarian Catastrophe

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as 'absolutely dire' by Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, with severe shortages of food, shelter, medicine, and sanitation, exacerbated by worsening winter conditions. EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, highlighted the critical delays in aid delivery, noting that 'hundreds of trucks full of items, essential supplies, medicines, shelters, tents, sleeping bags' were waiting at the Rafah border crossing. Lahbib pointed out that items like sleeping bags due to their color green, and wheelchairs due to their wheels, were being refused entry under 'dual-use' restrictions, despite the immense need.

The military offensive in Gaza resumed on December 1, following a week-long humanitarian pause. According to Gaza's ministry of health, over 360 Palestinians had been killed and 922 injured in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire entered into force on October 10. By December 14, the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory reported more than 18,400 Palestinians had been killed.

EU's Divided Stance and Potential Leverage

The European Union has historically been divided in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some member states, such as Austria, Germany, and Hungary, have been strong supporters of Israel, others, including Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Luxembourg (often joined by Slovenia, Portugal, and Malta), have been more critical of Israel's conduct and have focused on the plight of Palestinians.

The EU possesses significant economic leverage as Israel's largest export market. There have been calls for the European Commission to review whether Israel is complying with its obligations under the EU/Israel Association Agreement, which stipulates respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential element of the relationship. Such a review could potentially lead to 'appropriate measures' if breaches are identified.

Calls for a Lasting Ceasefire and Aid Access

The joint letter from the four nations urged the EU to make a collective decision to ensure a lasting ceasefire, the protection of civilians in Gaza, and the unimpeded delivery of aid. This push for a 'ceasefire' represented a stronger stance compared to earlier EU discussions in October 2023, where leaders ultimately agreed on calls for 'humanitarian corridors and pauses' rather than a full ceasefire, due to divisions among member states. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed concern that the EU was losing credibility due to its inability to take a stronger and more united position on the conflict.