The European Union is intensifying discussions over targeting sanctions on Israel for its military actions in Gaza, representing a notable change in Brussels’ approach to this conflict.
A coalition of 17 EU member states led by the Netherlands has initiated a formal review under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which mandates respect for human rights and democratic principles. This review seeks to determine whether Israel has violated these obligations, with any violations potentially leading to suspensions of trade privileges or targeted economic sanctions; see: theguardian.com +15; ft.com +15; Politico +15, JNS.org +4, I24news TV +4, and Ynetnewss Com +4.
However, unlike full suspension which requires unanimity among all 27 member states, limited sanctions can be implemented by a qualified majority, defined as at least 15 countries representing at least 65% of EU population (i24news.tv).
However, key allies such as Germany and Italy remain cautious, creating uncertainty as to the level of consensus needed for action (nypost.com/811 for Germany; i24news.tv/811 for Italy); newarab.com (8/11).
European Capitals Increase Pressure European capitals have demonstrated increasing criticism against Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed serious displeasure with Israel’s Gaza offensive, emphasizing legal violations as opposed to geopolitical considerations when justifying targeted sanctions aimed at Israel. UK leader Keir Starmer called them appalling and suspended trade talks until further notice while considering additional sanctions, according to reports in both The Guardian and Sun.ie (+1 and +2).
More than 1,400 EU officials belonging to the “EU Personnel for Peace” platform have signed a letter demanding that Brussels implement sanctions, suspend the association agreement, and increase political and economic pressure against Israel.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have publicly voiced support for sanctions or an arms embargo against Israel as its military campaign was seen to violate international law and was seen to be excessive and disproportionate. Their military response was condemned in this respect by Timesofindia.indiatimes.com/+7 as being excessive by all three sources cited; additionally these two sources supported an arms embargo as being justified as well as international law breaches by their actions (Timesofindia/indiatimes.com/7/2025/87878/wikipedia/82/4758/).
Structural Divisions Remain
Despite increasing momentum, divisions persist within the EU. Germany, traditionally an ardent supporter of Israel, has voiced criticism but refrained from backing punitive measures against Hamas and Hezbollah; instead Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned against hasty sanctioning without clear consensus from all member nations en.wikipedia.org
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Others, such as Hungary and Czechia, join Germany in calling for caution.
European Commission leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are under increasing pressure to turn analysis into action. A review expected to take place by June 23 is intended to determine whether limited sanctions or symbolic measures are taken by the bloc.
Broader Context and Global Dynamics
The push for sanctions has emerged amid landmark moves by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and an intensification of legal scrutiny, particularly after leaked EU documents cited alleged war crimes by Israel in Gaza; further intensifying calls for accountability. A leaked EU document referenced possible war crimes by Israel which further intensified calls for accountability (English.almayadeen.net).
Since October 2023, the UN has documented over 54,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, prompting condemnations from European capitals and arm embargoes from several nations, such as Spain, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands (Washingtonpost.com and Times.co.uk both count this figure).
Analysts caution that EU sanctions, while symbolic, can have lasting ramifications. Analysts note that while EU sanctions may seem merely symbolic at first, they could ultimately alter Israel’s external relations and its approach to Gaza offensive. A suspension of an association agreement could reduce economic benefits while compelling Israel to reconsider their military and humanitarian strategies.
Politically, the EU stands at an impasse: trying to balance historic diplomatic ties to Israel (particularly Germany’s) with rising public and institutional outrage over Gaza’s civilian deaths. How far Brussels will go in taking action will determine their credibility on human rights matters and global role.
At present, Europe must meet the June 23 review deadline with great care in making its decision regarding sanctions, issuing loud warnings or taking deeper, more consequential steps. Within two weeks’ time, they’ll discover whether moral rhetoric can become action-oriented policy which truly can alter the course of Gaza war.