The European Union remains split over how to respond to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis. At a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Copenhagen on Saturday, the European Commission proposed suspending research funding for Israeli companies, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza breach the EU-Israel agreement that requires respect for human rights.
However, Germany has blocked the move for now. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is not convinced that cutting research funds would change Israel’s military or political decisions. Instead, he noted that Germany is limiting arms exports to Israel, which he described as a “very targeted and necessary” measure.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas admitted that the bloc is deeply divided. “It is clear that member states disagree on how to get the Israeli government to change course,” she said. “I’m not very optimistic, and today we are definitely not going to adopt decisions.”
Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza in October 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, with famine recently confirmed in parts of the territory due to Israel’s blockade. Protesters across Europe have demanded stronger action from their governments, but so far the EU has failed to agree on a united strategy to pressure Israel.
Source: Viewers Corner News