In 1980 European Community leaders made a joint diplomatic initiative addressing the Middle East and Palestinian self-determination through the Venice declaration, which affirmed states’ security and Palestinian rights. Decades later the EU faces criticism for an ineffective response to Gaza and an inability to influence peace or address the humanitarian crisis. Prominent European leaders and 209 former EU diplomats have condemned inaction and, in some cases, described Israeli policies as genocidal while highlighting mass displacement and shortages in Gaza. Several G7 countries have signalled symbolic recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, underscoring European divisions over the issue.
The cause: the Middle East, including a Palestinian state. The time has come to promote the recognition and implementation of two principles universally accepted by the international community: the right to existence and to security of all states in the region, including Israel [and] recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, states the Venice declaration calling for Palestinian self-determination.
Striking a similar note, Slovenia's president, Natasa Pirc Musar, described Israel's policy as genocidal and questioned how some politicians, including in EU countries, could tolerate displacement, destruction of homes, and acute shortages of essentials for Palestinians in Gaza. And in an exceptional rebuke, 209 former EU ambassadors and diplomatic staff wrote to EU leaders last month to voice profound disappointment that no substantive measures had been taken by the bloc.
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