The foreign ministers of 28 countries have signed a statement calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, but critics argue that these countries are not taking sufficient action to stop bilateral trade with Israel. Despite condemning Israel’s military actions, many of these countries continue to benefit from trade with Israel.
Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom all have more than $1 billion in imports, exports, or both with Israel. The top items being traded include cars, motor vehicles, integrated circuits, vaccines, and perfumes. Ireland’s imports from Israel are predominantly integrated circuits, valued at $3.58 billion, while Italy exports $3.49 billion to Israel, including $116 million worth of cars.
Some countries that signed the statement have recognised the State of Palestine. Ireland and Spain recognised Palestine in 2024 and have spoken out strongly against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Other countries that recognise Palestine include Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia. France has announced plans to recognise Palestine in September at the United Nations General Assembly.
The signatories of the statement include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Despite their signatures, all these countries continue to trade with Israel.
Israel has rejected the statement, with a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying it is “disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.” Meanwhile, France, Germany, and the UK have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages.
In a related development, Spain has formally petitioned the European Union to approve an “immediate suspension” of its association agreement with Israel, citing human rights violations in Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said, “The Palestinian Gazans need action and, therefore, the important thing today is not to denounce… it is the actions.” Albares added that the EU should show “courage” to take concrete action, stating, “The time for words, for statements, is behind us”.
Turkey, another country critical of Israel’s actions, has halted all trade with Israel, citing the worsening Palestinian situation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan has been vocal in his condemnation of Israel, likening it to the Nazi Third Reich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. However, despite the harsh rhetoric, neither Turkey nor Israel seems interested in further escalation.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, including starvation and malnutrition. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported six more deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including two children, bringing the total number of starvation deaths to 133, including 87 children. Israel has announced “tactical pauses” for humanitarian purposes in certain areas of Gaza, but Israeli forces have continued to kill Palestinians despite these pauses.