European Movement Ireland has launched a report highlighting the European Union’s failure to respond to Israel’s ongoing military assaults in Gaza and Lebanon and outlines its obligations to uphold international law.
Hamas’ attacks on 7 October 2023 resulted in the killings of approximately 1,200 Israeli citizens and the abduction of 252 hostages. Israel responded with a complete siege of Gaza – cutting off fuel, water, and food – and the relentless bombardment of civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to the killings of at least 43,000 Palestinians to date and the destruction of Gaza.
While the EU rightly condemned Hamas and other armed groups for the atrocities committed on 7 October, it has yet to equally recognise and condemn the atrocity crimes committed by Israel. As one of the world’s most important geopolitical actors, the EU’s inaction has been striking. It has been marred by internal political division, preventing the consensus required to act decisively as a unified bloc to halt Israel’s ongoing grave violations of international law in Gaza and Lebanon.