In an unprecedented shift, European powers led by Germany, France, and Spain are toughening their stance on Israel over its war in Gaza, initiating a formal review of EU-Israel ties and calling into question the future of economic and military cooperation.

Gaza Civilian Toll Sparks Rare German Rebuke

Germany, traditionally one of Israel's staunchest defenders, broke with precedent this week. Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Israeli attacks on civilians “can no longer be justified by a fight against Hamas terrorism.” He warned that Israel risks alienating its closest allies.

This came just as the European Commission began reviewing its trade agreement with Israel, pushed forward by the Netherlands and backed by a growing majority of the EU’s 27 member states. The move follows widespread outrage after Israeli forces struck a Gaza school-turned-shelter.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Israel’s privatized aid distribution, calling it a form of “population control,” while humanitarian chaos around fenced-in distribution points deepened the backlash.

Growing Diplomatic Split with Washington

The European pivot contrasts sharply with the Trump administration’s continued defense of Israel. A U.S. State Department spokesperson labeled European condemnations as “grandstanding” and expressed “deep disappointment” over Britain’s suspension of trade talks with Israel.

European diplomats acknowledge keeping Washington informed but admit major strategic divergence. The split reflects deeper transatlantic rifts over trade, security, and Israel policy.

Mounting Pressure Within the EU

Spain and Ireland are calling for stronger measures, including arms embargoes and suspension of ties. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said the situation “very much looks like genocide.” Meanwhile, Germany is reconsidering its weapons exports, and France is weighing recognition of a Palestinian state.

Despite these moves, the EU remains far from unanimous. Nations like Hungary remain firmly pro-Israel, while others are pushing for accountability over the soaring Gaza death toll and Israel’s long-standing blockade of aid.

Aid Blockade, Civilian Deaths Stir Outrage

With over a year of conflict and a famine warning from humanitarian monitors, frustration among European leaders has intensified. Israel’s nearly three-month aid blockade and graphic footage of children suffering has driven calls for action beyond symbolic statements.

The EU is Israel’s top trade partner and has invested heavily in humanitarian support for Palestinians. Yet European supplies remain stuck at borders, and many leaders now question the credibility of Israel’s war conduct and postwar intentions.

Background: Long Alliance, Rapid Fracture

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, European leaders largely backed Israel. But Netanyahu’s cabinet proposals to reoccupy Gaza, coupled with public statements suggesting the forced displacement of Palestinians, have sparked a dramatic erosion of goodwill.

A new trade agreement review will determine whether Israel’s actions breach human rights obligations under its EU accord. Results expected next month could trigger formal sanctions or policy shifts, though many insiders caution that concrete penalties remain politically difficult.

Still, public opinion and internal dissent are pushing Europe toward a policy reckoning. As one EU diplomat put it: “We’re reaching the end of what we can bear.”