EU Foreign Ministers Divided on Gaza Sanctions, Funding Suspension

European Union foreign ministers gathered in Copenhagen to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and consider potential punitive measures against Israel, including suspending EU funding for Israeli start-ups, sanctioning ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu's government, and banning imports from Israeli settlements. However, deep divisions among the 27 member states—between countries like Spain and Ireland advocating for stronger pressure on Israel and allies such as Germany and Hungary opposing harsh sanctions—have so far prevented consensus or decisive action. EU humanitarian aid chief Hadja Lahbib and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized the urgent need for the EU to adopt a unified, principled stance and translate words into sanctions, citing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and famine conditions declared by the UN in Gaza. Despite widespread criticism of Israel's conduct of the war, particularly over civilian casualties and restricted humanitarian aid, Israel maintains its military actions are necessary to defeat Hamas following their attack in October 2023. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed skepticism about the likelihood of immediate decisions, highlighting the bloc’s inability to reach agreement amid competing political priorities. The ongoing conflict has displaced roughly half of Gaza's population, drawing mounting international pressure for an end to hostilities.