EU pledges Gaza aid as lawmakers accuse bloc of Israeli complicity

The European Commission has declared its readiness to assume a central role in post-ceasefire Gaza, outlining plans for extensive humanitarian aid and stabilization efforts. This pledge was met with fierce condemnation from within the European Parliament itself, where a significant number of lawmakers charged the bloc with being complicit in the devastating conflict.

A Plan for Stabilization and Aid

Addressing the plenary in Strasbourg, European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica described the situation in Gaza as "deeply fragile" and the humanitarian crisis as "catastrophic," despite the truce. She stated the EU is prepared to contribute to a comprehensive plan for the region, leveraging its unique position. Proposed support includes large-scale humanitarian assistance, medical evacuations to Europe, and the deployment of civil protection teams for rubble removal and decontamination. The EU also aims to reactivate its border mission at Rafah and extend Palestinian police training to Gaza.

Internal Accusations of Complicity and Genocide

The commissioner's assurances were starkly contrasted by vehement criticism from several Members of the European Parliament. Irish MEP Lynn Boylan accused the EU of "doing nothing" despite a "catastrophic death toll," stating, "This ceasefire cannot be an excuse for the EU to sit on its hands. Now is the time for the EU to restore its credibility and to end its complicity in this genocide." Other left-group MEPs, including Rima Hassan and Marc Botenga, echoed these sentiments, labeling the EU's stance a "colonial mindset" and accusing it of "financing and arming a genocide."

Calls for Accountability and a Path Forward

Amid the accusations, Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec called for accountability for war crimes and sanctions against those responsible. The debate also highlighted a demand, voiced by Irish MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, for Israel to bear the cost of Gaza's reconstruction. Despite the internal rift, Commissioner Šuica reaffirmed the EU's commitment to a two-state solution, announcing a donor meeting in November to coordinate reconstruction and reform efforts for the Palestinian territory.