EU Commission Vice President Criticizes Institutional Bias Amid Gaza Conflict
EU Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera has expressed concern over the bloc’s internal divisions regarding its stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Speaking in an interview with Spain’s Cadena Ser radio network, Ribera emphasized the need for the Commission to operate independently and represent the interests of the EU, despite the influence of national perspectives, reports 24brussels.
Ribera, a prominent critic of Israel’s actions, highlighted that the EU ambassadors’ reluctance to endorse proposals limiting Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research program exposes significant discord within the EU on the matter. She noted the absence of consensus among the College of Commissioners regarding more profound measures, such as suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement or imposing sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel commenced its military operations in October 2023 following a deadly attack by Hamas that claimed over 1,000 lives. Current reports indicate that Palestinian health officials estimate more than 60,000 fatalities in Gaza due to Israeli military actions, with nearly one-third of those casualties being children. The United Nations has warned of a dire humanitarian crisis, attributing the catastrophic food shortages to Israeli-imposed restrictions on aid delivery.
Ribera drew troubling historical parallels, likening the plight of Gazans to that of Jews trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. She condemned the EU’s passive response to what she described as “one of the worst humanitarian scandals in history,” asserting that “history will not look the other way.” She stressed the urgency for Europe to act decisively, mobilizing the core principles that underpin the European project.
“We are in a race against time, with people dying of hunger,” Ribera warned. “Europe must react and consolidate itself as a political actor.” The call for a more robust European response underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, demanding immediate attention from EU leadership.
