Introduction

The European Union has sharply criticized Israel's recent military actions in Gaza, deeming them excessive in the ongoing battle against Hamas. With rising civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis, the EU's stance reflects growing global unease about the conflict's toll.

Conflict Overview

The conflict flared up in October 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel retaliated with intense airstrikes and ground operations to dismantle Hamas and free hostages. Gaza's health authorities report over 46,700 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, with nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents displaced and facing severe food shortages.

A short-lived ceasefire in January 2025 enabled some hostage and prisoner exchanges, but it fell apart in March when Israel resumed airstrikes, citing Hamas's rejection of new ceasefire terms. The escalation has drawn international scrutiny for its devastating impact on civilians.

EU's Criticism

On May 28, 2025, the EU's foreign affairs representative declared Israel's strikes disproportionate, pointing to the heavy civilian toll. As a major humanitarian aid provider to Gaza, the EU has condemned Israel's blockade, which has choked off essential supplies. The EU also criticized a new aid distribution system backed by Israel, calling it chaotic and a misuse of humanitarian efforts.

EU leadership has denounced attacks on civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, as unacceptable. A recent strike on a school shelter, which killed dozens, prompted strong EU calls for Israel to restore unrestricted aid access and comply with international humanitarian law.

Internal divisions among EU member states complicate a unified response. Some push for tougher measures against Israel, while others emphasize Israel's right to self-defense.

Humanitarian Toll

Israel's recent airstrikes have hit densely populated areas, including a school and near a hospital, causing significant civilian deaths. One strike killed nine of a Palestinian doctor's ten children, and another at a school shelter claimed at least 35 lives. A December 2024 raid left a key Gaza hospital inoperable, killing around 50 people, including medical staff.

Human rights groups have flagged some strikes as potential violations of international law, noting insufficient evidence of military targets. The UN has called Gaza "uninhabitable," with widespread destruction of homes, schools, and businesses fueling a humanitarian crisis. Israel's evacuation system has been criticized for vague directives and strikes on so-called safe zones.

International Response

The EU's position echoes calls from several countries for Israel to halt its offensive. Some nations have paused trade or diplomatic ties with Israel in protest. Israel's leadership defends the operations as critical to eliminating Hamas and rescuing hostages, while proposing a controversial plan to relocate Gaza's population to a southern zone, which critics label as forced displacement.

EU's Demands

The EU has urged Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid and adhere to international law. Several member states support reviewing trade agreements with Israel over alleged human rights violations, with a majority backing such actions. Diplomatic measures to pressure Israel into ending the offensive are also under discussion.

Conclusion

The EU's strong condemnation of Israel's actions highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel's security concerns, the EU stresses the need for military restraint to protect civilians and copyright international law. Navigating internal divisions and regional complexities, the EU faces the challenge of turning its critique into impactful action.

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