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2w ago

EU Intensifies Criticism of Israel’s Gaza Campaign as Germany Shifts Stance

Germany threatens to block arms sales to Israel over Gaza civilian casualties after recent strikes

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (not pictured), at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, May 28, 2025.REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
The EU has long struggled to have an impact on the conflict
Israeli Strikes Across Gaza Hit Multiple Homes, Killing at Least 58 Palestinians | Image: AP
Friedrich Merz said he 'no longer understands' Israel's objectives in Gaza

Overview

  • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced Israel’s recent Gaza strikes as exceeding what is necessary to fight Hamas and called for humanitarian priorities to guide the response.
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he no longer understands Israel’s objectives in Gaza, and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Berlin would withhold weapons linked to potential breaches of international humanitarian law.
  • The European Commission has launched a review of its Association Agreement with Israel to assess compliance with human-rights provisions, with member states set to debate next steps on June 23.
  • Spain, Belgium and Ireland are pressing for an arms embargo on Israel, while France is spearheading moves to formally recognise Palestinian statehood before a UN conference in mid-June.
  • Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with nearly 3,924 fatalities reported since March and aid deliveries still constrained following an 11-week blockade.