Member country claims EU is inactive on Israel despite Gaza ‘genocide’

(MENAFN) Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has sharply criticized the European Union for failing to respond effectively to Israel’s actions in Gaza, which she described as “genocidal acts.” In a Bloomberg interview on Wednesday, Fajon expressed frustration at the EU’s inaction amid the ongoing humanitarian disaster.

Israel has faced increasing international condemnation over the conflict, with several Western nations announcing intentions to recognize a Palestinian state or reduce military and trade ties. Fajon, who is also Slovenia’s deputy prime minister, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of breaching international law and committing grave atrocities.

She highlighted that the EU has not imposed any sanctions on Israel, contrasting this with the bloc’s unified stance on punishing Russia over the war in Ukraine. Referencing the recent UN declaration of famine in Gaza, Fajon noted the muted response from Brussels.

While the EU discusses its 18th sanctions package against Moscow, she emphasized that ending the brutal conflict in Gaza remains her top priority. Fajon also acknowledged criticism from global partners confused by Europe’s differing responses to various conflicts and called for increased societal pressure on Israel.

Slovenia, with just over 2 million people, has emerged as a vocal critic of Israel within the EU. In July, Ljubljana became the first EU member to stop all arms sales to Israel, barred two Israeli ministers from entering the country, and banned imports from occupied Palestinian areas. Slovenia has also joined other countries like Spain, Norway, Ireland, Canada, and France in advocating for Palestinian state recognition.

This stance aligns with countries such as Russia, which recognize Palestine and see a two-state solution as the only path to peace in Gaza.

The conflict began in 2023 when Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli military actions have reportedly caused over 61,000 deaths in Gaza.

MENAFN02092025000070015687ID1110004350