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In contrast to the United States, which is viewed as a hegemonic and military entity, the European Union (EU) is frequently presented as a force for peace and human rights around the globe. The EU’s position and policies, however, are hardly consistent or based on sound principles when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Instead of challenging the US’s unwavering backing for Israel, the EU has played a significant role in Israel’s misconduct of international law and Palestinian rights.
Historical analysis debunks the myths and lies that Israel has always to justify its aggression, colonization, and occupation. Additionally, it is examined how the EU and other international players support Israel’s impunity and undermine the chances for a fair and long-lasting resolution. Presently, we can consider two factors—the EU’s deference to the US and its interests in preserving stability and access to resources in the Middle East—that predominately drive its policy on the Palestine-Israel issue. It can be contended that the EU upholds Israel’s expansionist goal in lockstep with the US while feigning support for the two-state solution and international law. Additionally, the EU is hesitant to move against Israel in any significant way, such as by imposing sanctions or canceling trade deals, because it worries about losing its influence and access to the region’s markets.
Regarding the Palestine-Israel issue, there are multiple examples of hypocrisy and bias of the EU. Here we can quote the EU’s condemnation and boycott of Hamas as an example, even though the group won the 2006 elections in Palestine in a fair and democratic process. Additionally, the EU encouraged Israel to carry out its destructive attacks on Gaza in 2008–2009, 2012, and 2014, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and extensive devastation.
The EU’s assertion that it is an impartial broker in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians is also questionable. The US-led discussions, which have been based on unfair conditions and unreasonable demands, have been biased and passive towards the EU. The EU has never disregarded or condoned Israel’s illegal settlements, annexation of East Jerusalem, siege of Gaza, apartheid practices, violations of human rights, and military attacks against Palestinians. Additionally, by favoring Fatah over Hamas and enforcing sanctions on Gaza, the EU is harming Palestinian democracy and unity. Although, certain EU programs have helped Palestinians through humanitarian aid, development assistance, and support for civil society. However, these initiatives fall short of addressing the conflict’s underlying roots and fail to alter the status quo.
About the Palestine-Israel issue, a fundamental change in EU policy is needed. In support of international law, human rights, and justice, the EU is supposed to take a more independent and principled stance. To promote a sincere peace process that respects Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty, the EU shall take a more proactive and nuanced role, and to make Israel responsible for its transgressions and crimes EU has to use a more pressure-based strategy. The EU might implement several steps, such as sanctioning Israel, rescinding trade deals, prohibiting the sale of armaments, recognizing Palestine as a state, assisting BDS efforts, and backing a two-state solution.
Summing it up, there are certain major inconsistencies and flaws in the EU’s position and actions on Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Additionally, different and better approaches are needed for the EU to support a reasonable, humane, and international law-based peaceful settlement of the conflict.
The writer is a student of IR and works as a researcher at PolicyEast.
