Human rights activists and pro-Palestinian advocates have strongly denounced the European Union for being an accomplice to Israel’s ongoing “genocide, apartheid, and military occupation” of Gazans, according to human rights organizations and advocates. Their accusations come amid deepening humanitarian concerns as well as continuous Israeli military operations throughout Gaza Strip.
This week, several European and Middle Eastern civil society organizations issued a strong joint statement in which they strongly denounced Europe’s unwavering political and economic support of Israel, alleging it enabled violations of international law.
“Through its support of financial aid, military cooperation, and diplomatic cover for policies that amount to systemic apartheid and war crimes,” read a statement released by international groups. They identified recent arms deals, trade relations with Palestine as indicators of EU’s complicity as evidence for complicity with Israel’s war efforts in Gaza.
Criticism mounted after the European Commission reiterated its commitment to bilateral agreements with Israel, such as Horizon Europe research programs and defense partnerships, despite growing civilian casualties in Gaza. By late June, according to Gaza Health Ministry estimates, over 38,000 Palestinians had died as result of this conflict, along with many injured or displaced individuals.
Clare Daly, an Irish Member of European Parliament (MEP), has long been an outspoken critic of EU foreign policy and accused it of hypocrisy. “The EU speaks the language of human rights while acting to enable apartheid in Palestine,” she charged during a recent session in Strasbourg. Furthermore, what’s happening in Gaza is not self-defense but instead constitutes “annihilation.”
On the ground in Gaza, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen rapidly. UN agencies have reported widespread famine-like conditions and massive displacement despite repeated calls for humanitarian corridors and ceasefire negotiations; military operations continue.
Israel, for its part, has consistently denied allegations of genocide or apartheid by emphasizing its actions are essential for national security purposes and solely targeted at dismantling Hamas militant network. Israeli officials assert critics are dismissive of threats posed by rocket attacks and cross-border tunnels used by armed groups posing grave security risks to their nation.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson replied to these claims by asserting: “These claims are false, politically motivated and deeply offensive; Israel is acting within international law and acting self-defensively.”
Josep Borrell has struck a delicate balance, condemning violence against civilians while simultaneously affirming the EU’s support of Israel’s right to self-defense. Yet growing dissension among EU member states such as Ireland, Spain and Belgium signals an increasing push toward policy shift.
As the Gaza conflict enters its ninth month, analysts caution that EU’s position may have lasting repercussions for its credibility in both the Global South and among human rights observers globally.