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Relations between the European Union and Israel have sharply deteriorated as Ireland and Spain prepare to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Spain has even suggested considering sanctions against Israel over its ongoing military actions in Rafah, Gaza.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Katz has declared that Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem will no longer be permitted to assist Palestinians. At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has thrown his support behind the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is pursuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.
Despite the EU’s condemnation of the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250 people, it has also been critical of Israel’s retaliatory measures that have led to over 35,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Rafah have killed at least 35 people and targeted tents for displaced individuals.
The International Court of Justice has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive in Rafah. In response to Israel summoning the Spanish and Irish ambassadors and showing them footage of the Hamas attack, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticized Israel’s actions as undiplomatic.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway (a non-EU member) plan to officially recognize a Palestinian state, aiming for a ceasefire and lasting peace despite Israeli objections. This decision has further strained EU-Israel relations, highlighting the deep divisions over the Gaza conflict.
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