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On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hardened Europe’s stance against Israel. “What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war,” she said.

by Billion Temesghen

BRUSSELS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations, as well as several European governments, have this week hardened their stance on Israel’s escalating military campaign across the Middle East after it launched airstrikes on Qatar on Tuesday afternoon.

Israel’s attack on Doha targeted a site allegedly used by senior Hamas leaders. Although Hamas reported that its delegation had survived, six people were killed, including escorts and a Qatari security officer.

The attack drew swift condemnation worldwide. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a “flagrant violation” of Qatari sovereignty, while the EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said it violated “international law and Qatar’s territorial integrity, and risks a further escalation of violence in the region.”

Spain, so far, has issued its strongest condemnation of Israel yet. Within hours of the Doha raid, the Spanish government approved a decree formalizing its arms embargo, banning ships carrying weapons or fuel to Israel from docking at Spanish ports and Israeli defense aircraft from Spanish airspace, and stepping up humanitarian aid to Gaza. Spain also barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering Spanish territory.

A day earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had previewed the measures in a televised address, calling them “a necessary step to alleviate Palestinian suffering.” He said Spain was determined to lead Europe’s response.

Several other European countries have joined Spain in denouncing Israel’s military action against Qatar. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described it as “a serious violation of international law.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike in talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Israel’s attack “unacceptable” and warned that it jeopardizes the negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Slovenian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on social media, expressing solidarity with Qatar.

Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on social media platform X on Tuesday night that the attack violates Qatar’s sovereignty and risks further escalating violence: “We stress that an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages are urgent. A two-state solution remains crucial for lasting peace,” it added.

Meanwhile, the UN has stepped up its criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, with High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk telling the Human Rights Council on Monday that he was “horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric” by Israeli officials.

Turk accused Israel of mass killings, obstructing aid, and committing war crimes, and urged governments to halt arms transfers, press for a ceasefire, and support Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also hardened Europe’s stance against Israel. “What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war. This must stop,” she said at a Plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, northern France.

Under new measures announced by von der Leyen, Europe will put bilateral support to Israel on hold, sanction extremist ministers and violent settlers, partially suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement on trade-related matters, and set up a Palestine Donor Group for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Rights groups and UN experts have warned that Israel’s campaign in Gaza has created famine conditions and amounts to collective punishment, with more than 64,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Public opinion is adding to the pressure over Israel’s aggression against Palestinians in Gaza. On Sunday, an estimated 70,000 people marched in Brussels under the banner “Red Line for Gaza,” representing one of the largest demonstrations in Belgium in years.

Similar rallies took place in London, Paris, and Stockholm, with thousands calling for a ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state.

In recent weeks, Israel’s widening military campaign – from Gaza and the West Bank to Qatar – has forced Europe to recalibrate its Israel policies. Spain set a precedent by deploying measures unprecedented at the European level. Meanwhile, France, Britain and Belgium have joined Canada and Australia in announcing their plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN’s General Assembly later this month.