After greater than a yr of struggle between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, divisions amongst European Union member states have left Brussels largely on the sidelines in efforts to convey the combating to an finish. Now, with the European Fee readying for a transition and forward of a consequential U.S. presidential election, the EU might discover it even more durable to make an affect on efforts to finish the battle, which has now unfold to southern Lebanon and will find yourself in a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran.
Again on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a murderous rampage in southern Israel and kidnapped greater than 200 hostages, the EU was fast to precise its solidarity with Israel. Brussels swiftly posted a picture of an Israeli flag lighting up a wall of EU headquarters, and European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen flew to the grieving nation to supply condolences on behalf of the bloc in particular person.
The EU management and its member states condemned Hamas and sought the speedy launch of the hostages, and even when the Israeli army started pounding Gaza, leading to huge civilian casualties, most of them opposed a cease-fire. On Oct. 25, when the United Nations Basic Meeting voted on a decision calling for a cease-fire, simply eight EU member states voted in favor, whereas 4 opposed and 15 abstained, in what was seen as tacit help for the Israeli authorities.
