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Prime ministers

EU and UK Pressure Israel Over Gaza Blockade and War Crimes Allegations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European leaders have publicly criticized Israel's continued blockade of Gaza, with some calling it a "blood libel" to accuse them of supporting mass murder and child killers. The criticism comes as the international community grows increasingly worried about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where 470,000 people are at risk of starvation. The UN has warned that the vast majority of children in Gaza are facing extreme food deprivation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU and UK have joined other countries in criticizing Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has led to widespread starvation and humanitarian suffering.
  • The Israeli government has justified the blockade as a means of putting pressure on Hamas, but European leaders argue that this is a morally and legally indefensible position.
  • Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused European leaders of "antisemitic incitement" and "siding with mass murderers," but this is seen as a calibrated attempt to deflect criticism.
  • A recent poll found that 61% of Israelis want to end the war and see the hostages returned, with just 25% supporting the current policy of expanding the fighting and occupying Gaza.
  • Former Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert have condemned the current government's actions in Gaza, with Olmert calling it a "war of annihilation."
  • The EU and UK have suspended talks on trade agreements with Israel and are reviewing their cooperation agreements.
  • Germany, the UK, and France have all defended Israel against its enemies, but the current government's actions in Gaza are seen as indefensible.

Statistics:

  • 470,000 people in Gaza are at risk of starvation (UN)
  • 61% of Israelis want to end the war and see the hostages returned (poll)
  • 25% of Israelis support the current policy of expanding the fighting and occupying Gaza (poll)
  • 14 days: the amount of time before 14,000 babies in Gaza risked dying (UN warning, later withdrawn)
  • 2 Israeli embassy staff: the number killed in a recent attack in Washington
  • £14 billion: the value of EU trade with Israel
  • 470: the number of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces in 2023 (source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights)

Sources:

  • The Financial Times
  • The United Nations
  • A recent poll conducted by the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz
  • A statement made by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
  • A statement made by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak

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