The European Union yesterday (Wednesday May 21) announced a formal review of its decades-old Association Agreement with Israel, citing the "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in Gaza. This decision comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel's military actions, which have resulted in over 53,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with over 100 civilians killed in Israeli bombardment of Gaza on Wednesday and at least 38 civilians by noon today.

Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his full-throated endorsement to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘vision’ for Gaza, hailing it as a “revolutionary and correct” plan. The scheme—straight out of a Mar-a-Lago fever dream—involves the mass displacement of Palestinians and the redevelopment of Gaza as a U.S.-controlled enclave, something between a militarized buffer zone and beachfront real estate opportunity.

The EU's review, supported by 17 of its 27 member states, aims to assess Israel's compliance with the human rights clauses stipulated in the agreement. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the urgency, stating that the aid Israel has allowed into Gaza is "a drop in the ocean" and that humanitarian assistance must flow "immediately, without obstruction and at scale".

Critics argue that Netanyahu's endorsement of Trump's plan, which includes the controversial resettlement of Palestinians and the transformation of Gaza into a so-called "Middle East Riviera," exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and undermines prospects for peace. Human rights organizations have condemned the proposal as a violation of international law, equating it to ethnic cleansing.

International reactions have been swift. France plans to recognize a Palestinian state in June, while the UK has suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers. Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris accused Israel of "genocidal activity" and called for a ban on trade with illegal settlements.

Despite the growing condemnation, Netanyahu remains determined, insisting that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza and that the implementation of Trump's plan is a condition for ending the war.

As the EU deliberates its next steps, the international community watches closely, questioning whether symbolic gestures will translate into meaningful action to address the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza.

By Ruth Riegler