EU Officials Consider Strike Action Over Gaza Response
As humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorate rapidly, a group of European Union civil servants is contemplating strike action in protest against the perceived inaction of EU institutions regarding the humanitarian crisis. They argue that the EU has not effectively pressured Israel to allow essential aid into the enclave, which is currently under siege, reports 24brussels.
The proposal for a strike is in its initial stages, and essential backing from key trade unions remains uncertain, according to multiple civil servants involved. Oreste Madia, a policy officer with the European Commission, has initiated an open letter to President Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief. He stresses that Europe’s moral authority is jeopardized by its response.
The letter has reportedly collected over 1,300 signatures from staff across various EU institutions, and Madia aims to reach 6,000. He warned that failing to take significant action could lead to planned strikes. “We are talking to lawyers to establish if there are unions we can align with to initiate a strike,” Madia stated. “We are fighting for the very soul of the EU,” he emphasized, questioning the moral standing of EU officials amidst accusations of complicity in what he referred to as genocide.
The claim of genocide is particularly sensitive for Israel, given its historical context following the Holocaust. According to international law, genocide involves actions intended to destroy a group, which Israeli officials vehemently deny, attributing the conflict instead to Hamas’s efforts to disrupt Israel’s existence. Nonetheless, EU staff advocating for Gaza rights argue that adherence to international humanitarian law is essential for the EU’s credibility.
A collective known as EU Staff for Peace has supported the letter, organizing demonstrations outside EU institutions in Brussels. These protests have involved striking kitchenware to draw attention to their cause, alongside fasts in solidarity with Gaza. In their campaign, they have confronted staff representatives about the presence of an Israeli military attaché at the EU headquarters, while also addressing what they described as intimidation faced in advocating for Palestinian rights.
Internal tensions within EU institutions have surfaced, with some civil servants drawing parallels between Israeli actions and historical atrocities, although such comments have led to subsequent retractions. However, the underlying goal remains clear – ensuring that the EU lives up to its stated values and obligations under international law. Politically, representatives from Socialist, Left, and Green parties have issued statements condemning Israel’s actions as “genocide” and demanding urgent action from EU leadership.
Following Hamas’ initial assault on October 7, 2023, approximately 1,200 Israelis, including over 700 civilians, have lost their lives, while 251 hostages are estimated to be held in Gaza, according to various reports. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly civilians, as confirmed by Gaza’s Health Ministry, a figure accepted by the UN and other international organizations.
This evolving crisis has also prompted Belgium’s confirmation to vote in favor of the EU Commission’s plans to partially suspend Israel from the EU’s Horizon research program due to ongoing violations of human rights. This significant shift could be approved as soon as August 13, pending a qualified majority.
