EU’s diplomatic flop

The decision to recognize the State of Palestine by Spain and Ireland, with Norway set to follow, has revealed deep divisions within the European Union regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With almost eight months of devastating war in Gaza, resulting in over 35,000 deaths, predominantly civilians, the symbolic move is seen as an attempt to push for a ceasefire and rekindle the peace process. Despite efforts by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to garner support from other EU countries, major players like Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom remain hesitant, with France citing the need for more conducive conditions.

Impotence and Fatalism

The EU’s stance on the conflict shifted after a Hamas attack that claimed Israeli lives, leading to debates over calls for a ceasefire. The internal division was evident at the UN General Assembly, where some European countries backed a resolution for a humanitarian truce, while others abstained or voted against, highlighting the challenges in achieving consensus on the issue.