EU warns 'Israel's' Gaza occupation plan could harm relations

European Council President Antonio Costa has sharply criticized 'Israel’s' decision to assume control of Gaza City, warning that such a move could damage relations between the European Union and 'Israel'.

“I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision,” Costa wrote Friday on X, adding, “Such a decision must have consequences for EU-Israel relations, to be assessed by the Council,” referring to the body representing the bloc’s 27 member states.

I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision to take over Gaza City. Such an operation — together with the continued illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the massive destruction in Gaza, the blockade of humanitarian aid, and the spread of famine…

— António Costa (@eucopresident) August 8, 2025

Costa cautioned that the situation in Gaza is already dire and argued that the planned takeover would “only further worsen it.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed his call, urging 'Israel' to reverse course. “The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” she wrote on X. She also demanded the release of all hostages held in Gaza and insisted on “immediate and unhindered access” for humanitarian aid. “A ceasefire is needed now,” she said.

The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered.

At the same time, there must be the release of all hostages, who are being held in inhumane conditions.

And humanitarian aid must be given immediate and unhindered access to…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 8, 2025

The EU has faced internal divisions over the war in Gaza, with countries such as Germany historically standing firmly behind 'Israel', while others, including Spain, have been more vocal in defending Palestinian rights.

- Shifting tone in Brussels -

Last month, the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented potential measures to penalize 'Israel' after it was found to be in violation of a cooperation agreement on human rights. Proposals have included suspending 'Israel’s' eligibility for EU funding programs that support technology start-ups, an idea that still awaits approval from member states.

The EU also announced plans to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza, though senior officials admit that implementation has been only partial.

Some member states are now taking unilateral steps. Germany, in a marked policy shift, announced Friday that it would halt exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. Belgium also said it was summoning the 'Israeli' ambassador to convey its “total disapproval” of the planned military takeover of Gaza.

The rhetoric within EU institutions is also intensifying. European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera told Politico that 'Israel’s' actions “look very much” like genocide, pointing to widespread starvation, displacement, and civilian deaths.

Her comments followed a letter from three political groups in the European Parliament, the Socialists, Greens, and the Left, addressed to EU leadership earlier this week. The letter stated, “There is clear evidence that a genocide is being committed in Gaza,” and called for immediate action.