Following the election defeat of Israel ally Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Europe is shifting its focus to the Palestinians, with over 60 nations gathering in Brussels to discuss stability and peace in Gaza and the West Bank. The European Union, despite being a major aid provider to the Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution, has largely been sidelined in Middle Eastern affairs. Hungary’s new leader, Péter Magyar, signals a potential change in EU policy by indicating he may not continue Orbán’s practice of vetoing actions against Israel. This could lead to sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, a move supported by most EU countries. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is advocating for the suspension of the EU’s Association Agreement with Israel, though this is unlikely due to support for Israel from countries like Austria and Germany. The EU has found evidence of Israel violating this agreement during its military actions in Gaza.
QUESTION: How might changing political dynamics in Europe influence the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
EU hosts Palestinian leader in conference about security and peace in Gaza and the West Bank
