EU Reaction to Gaza Ceasefire: Cautious Praise and Clear Demands for a Political Solution
The European Union has responded to the announced Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement with a mixture of guarded optimism and firm, clear demands for a lasting political resolution. While pledging practical support, EU leadership and member states are unanimously framing the “first phase” deal as a crucial stepping stone toward the broader goal of a two-state solution.
EU Leadership Pledges Support with a Focus on the Future
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the bloc’s commitment to sustaining humanitarian relief into Gaza and standing ready to participate in future reconstruction efforts. This sentiment was reinforced by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who stated the EU will “do what it can” to assist in implementing the agreement, signaling a hands-on role in the process.
The most powerful messages, however, came from national leaders who emphasized that a ceasefire alone is not enough. French President Emmanuel Macron declared on social media that the agreement “must mark the end of the war and the beginning of a political solution based on the two-state solution.” He confirmed that France is prepared to contribute actively to this goal, with discussions already planned with international partners.
A Unified International Front for the “Day After”
This call for a political horizon has garnered wide support. Officials from Germany, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, along with the foreign ministers of Egypt, have committed to convening and operationalizing frameworks for security, governance, and reconstruction “for the day after.” This indicates a coordinated international effort to ensure the ceasefire leads to a more stable future.
Notably, the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed hope that the deal would serve as a prelude to a lasting political resolution—one that ends the Israeli occupation and leads to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.
What the “First Phase” Agreement Actually Covers
The initial phase of the plan involves several key, immediate actions:
The release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.
Israel’s freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Ensuring humanitarian aid can flow more freely into the devastated Gaza Strip.
A withdrawal of Israeli forces from frontline areas and a halt to offensive operations in specific zones to facilitate stabilization.
Significant Obstacles and Unresolved Issues
Despite these steps, major obstacles remain, and critics warn that the most difficult issues have been deferred. The agreement is reportedly vague or silent on several critical points, including:
The process for the demilitarization of Hamas.
The future governance model for Gaza.
The precise timing and extent of Israeli troop withdrawals.
Professor Nathan Brown of George Washington University cautions that “Hamas has only agreed to ceasefire provisions,” highlighting that the rest of the plan faces serious consensus gaps. The EU recognizes this fragility, acknowledging that progress depends on all parties keeping their commitments.
The Central Challenge: The Two-State Solution
The most significant roadblock is the fundamental disagreement over a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly and openly rejected a Palestinian state, describing it as a “red line.” He has also criticized the EU as being “absent” from peace processes, questioning the bloc’s relevance in the region.
In response to Israeli policies, the EU has begun to take defensive measures. It recently announced plans to suspend certain bilateral support to Israel and partially freeze trade components of its association agreement. However, a full suspension requires a qualified majority among all 27 member states—a move that has so far been blocked by some pro-Israel countries. The EU’s unified front on the ceasefire will now be tested as it navigates these deeper political divisions to push for its ultimate goal: a sustainable peace based on two states.
