On the anniversary of the second Gaza war, Europe and Latin America have adopted more hawkish stances toward Israel, in what is considered a significant shift in international policy toward the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with official condemnations increasing, sanctions and economic restrictions expanding, along with unprecedented legal and diplomatic moves to demand accountability for what human rights organizations have deemed “war crimes” and “massacres against civilians.”
In Europe, Spain has been at the forefront of countries taking a firm stance against Israel, announcing its official recognition of the State of Palestine in May 2024 and calling on European Union countries to adopt the same stance. Madrid also imposed a comprehensive ban on arms exports to Israel and prevented ships carrying fuel or military equipment destined for it from entering Spanish ports, a move that sparked diplomatic tensions with Tel Aviv.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that Madrid demands an immediate and unconditional cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Albares said in statements reported by RTVE: “This war must stop now, regardless of the course of negotiations. The continued bombing and blockade cannot be justified.”
He added that Spain “will not stand idly by in the face of the massacres being committed against civilians in Gaza,” affirming his country’s support for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state as the only way to achieve lasting peace.
Madrid also called on the European Union to review its partnership agreements with Israel and link them to respect for human rights, a move described by Spanish newspapers as a “painful diplomatic blow” to Tel Aviv within the continent.
Belgium also joined calls to freeze the EU-Israel Association Agreement, considering that the ongoing war in Gaza “undermines the moral and legal basis” for cooperation with Tel Aviv.
In France, popular and parliamentary pressure mounted on the government to halt arms sales to Israel and to launch an international investigation into the targeting of civilians, while London witnessed widespread demonstrations demanding a comprehensive ban on British companies involved in arming the Israeli army.
The Netherlands, which has taken measures against Israel over its war in Gaza, such as barring some extremist Israeli ministers from entering its territory, also supports EU proposals to impose economic restrictions and sanctions, particularly on goods from Israeli settlements.
Italy has repeatedly called on Israel to halt its attacks in Gaza and to immediately open humanitarian crossings to allow food and medicine into Gaza. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the government have emphasized that the war must not continue at the expense of civilians.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Israeli military operations violate the principle of proportionality, especially given the high number of civilian casualties.
One of the most significant changes in the Italian position is that the government, led by Meloni, announced its willingness to recognize the State of Palestine, but on two key conditions: the release of all Israeli hostages and the exclusion of Hamas from any participation in a future Palestinian government.
Italy was among the countries that signed a statement from 25 countries calling for an end to the war now, demanding that Israel halt its aggression and allow immediate access for aid into Gaza.
The European Union itself issued a statement last September calling for an immediate ceasefire and affirming that the continued blockade of Gaza “constitutes unacceptable collective punishment.” It also reiterated its support for the two-state solution and the role of the International Criminal Court in investigating alleged war crimes.
