Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will meet senior European officials in Brussels on Monday. This marks the resumption of talks between Israel and the EU. The discussions come as the EU reviews its role in rebuilding Gaza after last month’s ceasefire.
Key Agenda: Gaza Crisis and Regional Politics
Saar will co-chair the EU-Israel Association Council alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. This will be the first meeting since 2022. The talks will focus on urgent issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and regional stability.
Israel’s ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, emphasized the importance of this meeting. “Monday’s Association Council is an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the partnership between Israel and the EU,” he said.
EU Divided Over Israel’s Military Action
The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s military response created sharp divisions within the EU. Although all member states condemned Hamas, their stance on Israel’s war in Gaza varied. Some strongly supported Israel, while others criticized its military campaign for the civilian casualties.
Human Rights Concerns and EU-Israel Agreement
In February 2024, the leaders of Spain and Ireland formally asked the European Commission to assess Israel’s compliance with human rights laws under the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement. This agreement serves as the foundation for political and economic cooperation between Israel and the EU.
To avoid further disputes, the EU’s 27 member states negotiated a compromise. On one hand, the EU will highlight its cooperation with Israel. On the other hand, it will also express concerns about human rights violations. A draft document reviewed by Reuters confirms the EU’s commitment to Israel’s security. At the same time, it stresses that “displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe and dignified return to their homes in Gaza.”
Trump’s Controversial Proposal on Gaza
Meanwhile, earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump angered Arab nations and Western allies. He suggested that the United States should "take over" Gaza, permanently removing its Palestinian population. According to him, this would transform the area into the "Riviera of the Middle East." His remarks triggered global criticism.
Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly cross-border attack on Israeli communities. As a result, 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli sources. In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale offensive. According to Palestinian health authorities, the attacks have killed at least 48,000 people. Additionally, hundreds of thousands now live in makeshift shelters and depend entirely on humanitarian aid.