Global Geopolitical Series: EU members divided over Gaza violence and Jerusalem embassy move

European foreign ministers met at their monthly meeting in Brussels yesterday. It was clear from the statements before the meeting from some of the ministers strongly suggested that Israel and the recent Gaza violence would surely be a topic of discussion. Irish foreign minister said on the issue, “I am deeply concerned about the force used against protesters, and I will discuss with my fellow ministers how we might work towards breaking the cycle of violence and improving conditions for people living in Gaza.” The European Union foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini said, “We warned that political moves might have broad consequences, and unfortunately we have proven to be right……We would have preferred not to be right in this occasion.”

However, after the meeting, the ministers failed to produce a joint statement condemning the recent Gaza violence, which suggests nothing but the lack of unity. It was somewhat expected as the Czech Republic’s foreign minister, whose president openly supported Israeli embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem said that the Gaza violence had nothing to do with the U.S. embassy move.

The difference of opinion on the issue isn’t just limited to the Czech Republic. Earlier this month, as EU, was looking to condemn the embassy move by the United States; a statement was blocked by Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic, with three other members expressing reservations.