Following Israel’s military offensive into Gaza City, several European nations, including some long-standing allies, expressed significant concerns regarding the operation’s consequences. Officials from Germany and the European Union explicitly warned that the offensive would likely intensify the humanitarian crisis in the territory, anticipating increased destruction, casualties, and displacement.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, stated that Israel was on a “wrong path,” communicating this position directly to the Israeli government. Similarly, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Stenergard, urged the European Union to consider concrete actions, including sanctions against “extremist Israeli ministers” and a freeze on certain trade relations. These diplomatic responses have reportedly diminished hopes for a cease-fire agreement with Hamas. Furthermore, multiple European countries, alongside Canada and Australia, have indicated a willingness to recognize a Palestinian state should Israel’s policy direction remain unchanged.
Source: www.nytimes.com