Urging a halt to excessive focus on human rights concerns within Gaza, an EU representative speaks out.
In recent times, a growing number of European countries have expressed concern over Israel's actions in the Palestinian enclave, with some considering sanctions as a means to address the situation.
Ireland, Spain, and France have already recognised Palestine as a state, aiming to foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This move aligns with the broader EU support for a two-state solution. The Netherlands and Slovenia, while not taking a specific stance, generally support EU policies in this regard.
Germany, a strong ally of Israel, has not planned to recognise Palestine as a state in the short term. However, it has discussed possible sanctions, including arms supply restrictions, in response to Israel's actions.
The United Kingdom has also expressed its intention to recognise Palestine subject to certain conditions, aligning with its support for a two-state solution.
The Israeli diplomat has warned that reducing trade ties with Israel could undermine years of cooperation and deprive the EU of leverage in Middle East peace efforts. This comes after the Netherlands called for a suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement and the European Commission recommended excluding Israel from the Horizon Europe research program due to alleged violations of international law.
The Israeli diplomat has dismissed the idea of influencing Tel Aviv's policy through pressure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his intention to establish full control over the Gaza territory.
However, not all voices support Israel's actions. Regav, a pro-Israel lobby group, has criticised the stance of Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia against Israel's actions in the Palestinian enclave. Regav has also warned the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK that their critical statements could benefit Hamas terrorists and anti-Semites.
The Israeli diplomat has also condemned initiatives to limit Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe program. This program, a significant source of funding for research and innovation across Europe, could be a powerful tool for influencing Israel's policies if it were to exclude the country.
The current situation in the Palestinian enclave remains a complex issue, with both sides expressing their concerns and seeking solutions. The European countries' actions and statements indicate a growing willingness to take a more active role in promoting peace and upholding international law in the region.
[1] Source: The Irish Times, The Guardian, El País [2] Source: Le Monde, The Telegraph, Deutsche Welle
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