Israel loses most committed EU backers

(MENAFN) Germany, traditionally one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, is reassessing its military and trade relationship with the country, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. This unexpected shift comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates and Berlin’s frustration with Israel’s actions grows.

Bloomberg sources say Germany’s discontent peaked in mid-May when Israel escalated its military campaign against Hamas while continuing to restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Historically, Germany has maintained a firm commitment to supporting Israel as a moral obligation stemming from the Holocaust. It has been Israel’s top European supplier of weapons and a key trade partner. However, in a notable departure from past policy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict, stating that the worsening humanitarian crisis “can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas terrorism.”

In a phone conversation on Sunday, Merz pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Julien Barnes-Dacey of the European Council on Foreign Relations told Bloomberg that the situation marks a major turning point, saying most European governments can no longer back Israel’s war effort despite their continued commitment to the country's security.

Israel has long been accused of violating international law by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Israel imposed a full blockade and has repeatedly limited the entry of basic supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine. While Israel contends these measures are necessary to prevent aid from reaching Hamas, critics say civilians are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Germany’s policy shift aligns with broader European unease. Other countries, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands, are also considering curbing trade and arms exports to Israel. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked in May that there is strong support within the bloc for reviewing the EU-Israel trade agreement. Last year, EU-Israel trade totaled $47 billion, according to IMF data, making the EU Israel’s largest trading partner.

In response to criticism, Israel recently launched a new aid distribution system via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel. Yet the initiative has faced backlash after several deadly incidents at aid distribution sites. On Tuesday, at least 27 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Rafah during an aid event. The Israeli military claimed the victims posed a threat after deviating from approved aid corridors.

Israel continues to argue that its military campaign is essential to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attack, which left 1,200 people dead. Since the conflict began, Gaza’s health authorities report over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed.

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