Brussels, Oct 1 (AP) Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are making waves across major European cities, prompting rising calls to exclude Israel from sporting and cultural events. European naval forces have been mobilized to safeguard activists transporting aid into Gaza, and several countries have taken the unprecedented step of recognizing a Palestinian state.
As the humanitarian crisis escalates, more European leaders, influenced by public pressure, have openly criticized Israel's military actions. They are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to agree to a ceasefire and facilitate aid delivery.
“A significant transformation has occurred in Europe where, over the past year, populations have exerted greater pressure on their governments. This has broken longstanding taboos regarding criticism of Israel,” said Sanam Vakil, director of Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, previously a staunch EU ally of Israel, recently declared her support for European Union sanctions against Israel. This marked her most stringent stance yet, following widespread strikes in Italy and pro-Palestinian protests from Palermo to Milan.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Meloni stated: “Israel has violated humanitarian norms, resulting in civilian massacres.” Since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and seized over 250 hostages, Israel's military response in Gaza has claimed over 66,000 lives, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. This ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but indicates that women and children constitute about half of the casualties.
The conflict has devastated large swathes of Gaza, resulted in the deaths of 289 journalists as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists, displaced around 90% of Gaza's population, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, including famine outbreaks in Gaza City.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), which tracks global conflicts, pro-Palestinian protests have surged. From December to April, there were 780 protests across Europe, which has grown to 2,066 in the last five months, averaging at least 15 daily, said researcher Ciro Murillo.
The protests transcend party lines and prominently include Europe's sizable Muslim communities, a crucial voting demographic in nations like France and Germany.
In the past half-year, there have been only 51 pro-Israel demonstrations in Europe, with about half occurring in Germany. ACLED data reveals a significant decline in public support for Israel several months after the war began.
In a speech at the UN, Netanyahu acknowledged the shift, stating, “Initially, after Oct. 7, many supported Israel. But that support vanished quickly when Israel responded as any nation would following such a brutal attack.”
Israel's Ties with Europe
With shared origins post-World War II, Israel and the European Union are deeply interconnected. Nearly all Jewish Israelis have roots tracing back to either the wider Middle East or the European Jewish communities that suffered during historical pogroms and the Holocaust.
“Israel originates from Europe, and understanding this is crucial to grasp the country's identity,” remarked Sharon Pardo, a Ben-Gurion University professor and author of “Uneasy Neighbours” on European-Israeli relations. Strategic aspirations drew Israel towards Europe, despite perceptions of it being “a continent of murderers.” Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, established enduring economic, political, and cultural ties with Europe. Today, the EU stands as Israel's primary trading partner.
“European markets were pivotal for Israeli agriculture and weaponry,” Pardo noted. However, Netanyahu's alignment with far-right European parties has estranged the political establishment there.
“Netanyahu's approach positions Israel as an anti-European Union country, one that attempts to undermine European integration efforts,” Pardo stated.
Rising Criticism of Israel amid Gaza Conflict
The violent events of Oct. 7, 2023, spurred an initial wave of support from European leaders. Ursula von der Leyen, the EU's political chief, visited ravaged sites in Israel days later and met with Netanyahu, expressing EU backing for Israel. Yet, nearly two years on, Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, accused her of empowering terrorism by suggesting increased EU pressure on Israel to cease hostilities.
Von der Leyen highlighted a “systematic shift in recent months” that Europe finds “unacceptable,” emphasizing Europe's need for heightened involvement. Her stance may be influenced by growing protests and the EU staff's criticism of her policies, noted Lisa Musiol, the International Crisis Group's head of EU Affairs. She referred to open letters signed by over 2,000 EU staffers and 390 former European diplomats criticizing EU policy on Gaza.
Von der Leyen proposed raising tariffs on certain Israeli goods and sanctioning some Israeli settlers and members of Netanyahu's Cabinet. Additionally, she suggested sanctioning 10 Hamas leaders. EU leaders were set to deliberate these proposals in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
While major EU measures necessitate unanimous approval within the 27-nation bloc, votes weighted by population could potentially pass some proposals. This scenario would require countries like Italy or Germany to side with nations critical of Israel.
Focus on Merz and Meloni
Germany's backing for Israel ranks just beneath the United States, but Germany's governing coalition remains divided on Gaza policy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right Christian Democrats support Israel, whereas the smaller Social Democrats express critical views on the conflict.
Merz has voiced concerns to Netanyahu and limited arms sales to Israel, yet clarified that sanctions are not being considered.
Germany's Holocaust legacy heavily influences its postwar dedication to Israel's security and combating antisemitism. Nevertheless, tens of thousands rallied in Berlin on Saturday, demanding an end to the conflict.
Italy, however, might tilt the vote. Meloni voiced support for Italy's alignment with recent moves by European neighbors recognizing a Palestinian state. These neighbors include France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the UK, Portugal, as well as Commonwealth nations Canada and Australia.
Unlike Germany, Italy's historical perspective on Israel differs, explained Elisabetta Brighi, a University of Westminster academic. Influenced by strong trade unions and the Vatican, Italy could shift to join broader European efforts pressuring Israel over Gaza.
“Italy's interpretation of the fascism trauma contrasts with Germany's,” Brighi noted.
Italy, alongside Spain, has dispatched naval vessels to protect activist flotillas challenging Israel's Gaza blockade. These activists reported drone attacks near Greece.
Additionally, demands to exclude Israel from specific sporting and cultural events are mounting. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suggested banning Israel from such events until the “barbarity” in Gaza ceases. Some countries have also threatened to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest, a favorite in both Israel and Europe, if Israel participates. (AP) SKS SKS
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