The European Union is experiencing internal divisions regarding the implementation of sanctions against Israel, a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. While the European Commission proposed measures, including barring Israeli entities from EU research funds, a lack of consensus among member states has stalled any collective action. This divergence highlights the complexities of forging a unified European policy on the conflict.
In a significant unilateral decision, Germany announced on August 8, 2025, a halt to arms exports to Israel that could be utilized in Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed profound concern over the humanitarian toll of the escalating military operations, while reaffirming Germany's commitment to Israel's right to self-defense. This policy shift marks a notable departure for Germany, historically a strong proponent of Israel, and could potentially influence other European nations to re-evaluate their own arms sales. Between October 2023 and May 2025, Germany had previously approved defense export licenses to Israel valued at €485 million.
The United Kingdom also took a distinct stance, suspending free trade agreement negotiations with Israel on May 20, 2025. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy cited Israel's military expansion in Gaza as detrimental to bilateral relations.
In Ireland, legislative efforts are progressing to ban the importation of goods originating from Israeli settlements. The "Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025," approved by the cabinet on June 24, 2025, aims to criminalize such imports. If passed, Ireland would be the first EU member state to enact a ban on settlement goods, a move that has garnered support from non-governmental organizations but also raised concerns among some business officials regarding potential economic ramifications.
The Netherlands has seen substantial public engagement, with large-scale "Red Line" protests held in The Hague between May 18 and June 15, 2025. The demonstration on June 15, the largest in the Netherlands in two decades, drew over 150,000 participants who called for sanctions against Israel and unimpeded humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Internationally, significant legal developments occurred on July 15, 2025. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) adopted provisional measures in a genocide case initiated by South Africa against Israel. Simultaneously, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
These international legal actions underscore the seriousness of the accusations and the ongoing global scrutiny of actions related to the conflict. The varied responses from EU member states, coupled with independent national policies and international judicial proceedings, illustrate the intricate global reaction to the Gaza crisis. While the EU grapples with achieving internal consensus, individual countries and international bodies are forging their own paths, reflecting the complex pressures and principles at play.