European leaders gathered in Brussels at the end of the week to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They urged both Israel and Hamas to stop the fighting that has been ongoing for nearly six months. Germany played a key role in removing its opposition to a harsher version of the ceasefire, which was supported by other pro-Israeli countries like Austria and Hungary. This shift puts more pressure on Israel, especially in light of a potential military operation in Rafah.
The joint European announcement highlighted the importance of UNRWA’s work in Gaza, despite Israeli demands to dismantle the organization. The message also emphasized the need to avoid invading Rafah, release Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and increase humanitarian aid to the region. Pro-Palestinian countries in the European Union held a separate meeting during the summit to discuss recognizing a Palestinian state unilaterally.
The shift in Europe’s stance towards Israel is largely due to growing concerns about Israel’s actions in the region and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Many European countries have halted arms exports to Israel and are considering suspending association agreements with the country. Non-governmental organizations are also calling for an end to European funding of Israeli defense companies involved in drone development.
In Scandinavia and Nordic countries, where there is already strong opposition to Israeli policies, this shift is even more challenging for Israel. The Norwegian Wealth Fund, one of the largest investment bodies in the world, is reevaluating its holdings in international and Israeli companies following the conflict in Gaza. The fund has previously divested from Israeli companies involved in activities deemed unethical and is now investigating companies that sell weapons to Israel for use
