French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to take stronger action over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. He described the suspension of EU-Israel cooperation as “an open question” and urged European leaders to respond with concrete steps.
Speaking during a televised interview on TF1 this week, Macron condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “shameful.” He criticized the EU’s current inaction and emphasized the need to increase political pressure. “We must raise pressure,” Macron said. “Europe has a responsibility to act.”
His remarks follow a renewed diplomatic push by the Netherlands to review the EU’s cooperation agreement with Israel. The proposal, led by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, questions Israel’s adherence to key human rights obligations outlined in its agreement with the European Union.
Dutch-Led Proposal Gains Momentum
In a letter addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Veldkamp argued that Israel’s blockade of Gaza violates international humanitarian law. He also cited Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which requires both sides to respect democratic values and human rights.
So far, eight EU member states have expressed support for the Dutch initiative. These include France, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands itself. The shift marks a significant development, as some of these countries previously refrained from direct criticism of Israeli policy.
The Netherlands’ position changed notably after months of continued restrictions on aid and access to Gaza. While Ireland and Spain first raised the idea of a policy review over a year ago, their call gained little traction at the time. Now, with more states joining in, momentum appears to be building.
However, full EU action requires unanimous agreement among all member states. Despite growing support, not all countries are on board, highlighting deep divisions within the bloc.
Economic and Political Stakes
Any suspension of EU-Israel relations would carry major symbolic and practical implications. The European Union is Israel’s largest trading partner, and their cooperation spans sectors like science, technology, trade, and security.
Critics of Israel’s policy argue that the blockade has caused immense civilian suffering, while aid efforts remain limited and highly politicized. Minister Veldkamp warned that Israel’s current aid delivery plan “violates principles of neutrality and humanitarian standards.”
Kaja Kallas, who heads the EU’s foreign policy, has confirmed that European foreign ministers will meet on May 20 to discuss the Dutch proposal in detail. This meeting could mark a turning point in the bloc’s stance on Israel and the Gaza conflict.
Internal Divisions Persist
Despite mounting pressure, several EU countries continue to support Israel’s approach. During a recent visit to Jerusalem, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul defended Israel’s new aid delivery system. He stated that the model aligns with humanitarian principles, even as it bypasses United Nations agencies.
Israel now plans to distribute aid through private contractors instead of working with the UN. Human rights groups and UN officials have condemned this approach, calling it a “deliberate weaponisation of aid.”
In defense, Israel argues the blockade is necessary to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken on October 7, when fighting intensified in the region. The EU has struggled to agree on a united response since the conflict began.
Pressure Builds on the European Commission
Human rights organizations and NGOs are now calling on the European Commission to act independently of national governments. These groups demand that the Commission directly investigate whether Israel has breached Article 2 of the Association Agreement.
Suspension talks are not new. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell first raised the issue in November 2023. His efforts led to a closed-door meeting between Israeli and EU officials, though the topic of human rights was avoided due to a temporary ceasefire at the time.
Now, Kaja Kallas promises that upcoming talks will include a broader discussion of the EU’s legal and diplomatic options.
As EU foreign ministers prepare to meet next week, the outcome of the debate could reshape Europe’s relationship with Israel. If the bloc moves toward suspending ties, it would mark the first major diplomatic break with Israel since the start of the Gaza war.
For now, the EU remains deeply divided. But with public pressure rising and more countries speaking out, the question of accountability can no longer be ignored.