Brussels, 26 February 2024 – Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is set to meet with senior European officials in Brussels on Monday, marking a renewed dialogue between Israel and the European Union (EU). The talks come as the EU considers playing a role in Gaza’s reconstruction following last month’s ceasefire.
This will be the first EU-Israel Association Council meeting since 2022, with discussions focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and shifting regional dynamics. Saar will co-chair the meeting alongside EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
“Monday’s Association Council is an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the partnership between Israel and the EU,” said Israel’s ambassador to the EU, Haim Regev, in a statement to Reuters.
However, divisions remain within the 27-member EU bloc over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with some leaders calling for a review of Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations.
EU divided over Israel’s Gaza offensive
The ongoing Israel-Gaza war, which began on 7 October 2023, has triggered sharp disagreements among European nations.
- All EU countries condemned the Hamas-led attacks, in which Israel reported 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
- However, while some EU members firmly support Israel’s military campaign, others have strongly criticised its humanitarian impact.
- According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli retaliatory offensive has resulted in at least 48,000 deaths and widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands now reliant on humanitarian aid.
In February 2024, Spain and Ireland urged the European Commission to investigate whether Israel is complying with its human rights commitments under the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement. This agreement forms the foundation for political and economic cooperation between Israel and the EU.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, EU members negotiated a compromise position that acknowledges strong EU-Israel cooperation while also addressing concerns about Gaza.
A draft document seen by Reuters suggests that the EU will reaffirm its commitment to Israel’s security while also advocating for the safe and dignified return of displaced Gazans.
US proposal for Gaza sparks backlash
The discussions also take place against the backdrop of a controversial proposal from former US President Donald Trump, which has further complicated regional diplomacy.
Earlier this month, Trump suggested that the United States should “take over” Gaza, permanently displacing its Palestinian inhabitants and transforming the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
The remarks sparked outrage across the Arab world and concern among Western allies, with many seeing the idea as unrealistic and inflammatory.
Rebuilding Gaza: EU’s role and challenges
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a major concern for European leaders, who are debating how the EU could contribute to reconstruction efforts.
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However, any EU-led initiative will face significant challenges, including:
- Security risks due to ongoing instability in the region.
- Political disagreements within the EU over how to engage with Israel and Palestinian leadership.
- Relations with the US, which remains the primary broker of diplomacy in the Middle East.
Monday’s meeting is expected to address ways to provide aid to displaced Gazans while balancing diplomatic relations with Israel.
Looking ahead
While the EU-Israel Association Council provides an opportunity for renewed engagement, major policy differences remain.
The EU will likely continue to support Israel’s right to security, while also advocating for humanitarian relief and diplomatic solutions in Gaza.
As the war enters its fifth month, international pressure is growing for a long-term resolution that ensures both Israeli security and Palestinian rights. Whether Monday’s meeting will lead to meaningful progress remains to be seen.
