The Voice News: Israeli daily Haaretz recently warned of a looming “diplomatic tsunami,” as Europe begins to take action against Israel’s “complete madness” in Gaza.
On Monday night, the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s “extreme” actions in Gaza. They warned that unless military aggression ceases and the blockade on humanitarian aid is lifted, “new measures” will be taken. Additionally, they threatened “targeted sanctions” in response to Israeli settlement expansions in the West Bank.
Following this, 24 donor countries condemned the Israeli-supported aid distribution system in Gaza.
UK-Israel Relations Take a Hit
On Tuesday, the UK suspended ongoing trade talks with Israel and announced a review of the 2023 joint cooperation roadmap. New sanctions were imposed on Israeli settlers, and the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office—a measure typically reserved for countries like Russia or Iran.
Europe’s Position
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated there is a “strong majority” among EU members to reconsider the 25-year-old Association Agreement with Israel. The driving factors behind Europe’s reaction include Gaza’s near-famine conditions and fears over post-war devastation.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s rhetoric about “cleansing” Gaza and deporting its residents, calling it “extremist, horrifying, and inhumane.” Although Smotrich isn’t directly in charge of war operations, many accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being influenced by hardliners and continuing the war while ignoring civilian casualties and the fate of hostages.
Trump’s Silence
Amid all this, U.S. President Donald Trump has remained notably silent. During a recent Middle East visit, he merely stated, “Many people are starving.” According to the White House, President Trump is “frustrated” with the situation and wants Israel to stop the war. Still, unlike other Western leaders, he has refrained from strong public criticism.