As the crisis in the Middle East continues to unfold, the European Union’s role in advocating for peace, justice, and human rights has never been more scrutinized. In an exclusive interview, our association sat down with Chloé Ridel, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group, to discuss the EU’s responsibility in the ongoing conflict.
Ahead of a crucial topical debate in the European Parliament concerning the EU’s role in the reconstruction of Gaza and Israel’s accountability under international law, MEP Ridel outlined her group’s urgent demands and her vision for a sustainable future in the region.
The Urgent Need for a European Parliament Debate
The S&D Group requested the topical debate to shine a spotlight on the continuous suffering of the Palestinian people. According to MEP Ridel, despite talks of a “so-called ceasefire,” Palestinians are still being killed daily and deprived of vital needs such as food and water.
“We think that the EU still doesn’t act to make it stop to end the suffering of Palestinians,” Ridel stated, emphasizing that the primary goal of the debate is to push the European Union to finally hold Israel accountable for its crimes.
A Palestinian-Led Reconstruction Plan for Gaza
When asked about the EU’s role in the eventual reconstruction of Gaza, Ridel highlighted the European Union’s historical responsibility and its current position as a major funder of both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA.
She proposed a specific and concrete step: the creation of a Gaza reconstruction facility funded by the EU. However, Ridel firmly stressed that this facility must belong to and be managed by the Palestinian people. She explicitly rejected alternatives like the “board of peace” proposed by Donald Trump, arguing that such external controls deprive Palestinians of their political power and serve as a continuation of colonialism.
Suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement
One of the central pillars of MEP Ridel’s platform is the demand for concrete diplomatic and economic actions against the Israeli government. She detailed several necessary steps:
- Suspending Trade Relations: The EU must suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
- Enforcing Human Rights: This agreement contains a human rights clause that Israel has not respected for a long time.
- Imposing Sanctions: There is a strong need for European sanctions against the government of Israel.
- Stopping Settler Violence: The EU must demand an end to killings and acts of terrorism committed by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Suspending the Association Agreement, which covers vital trade relations, would apply significant pressure on the Israeli government. Ridel noted that this pressure is essential to counter the project of realizing a “big Israel” from the river to the sea, which threatens to erase any possibility of a future Palestinian state.
Defending the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Accountability under international law remains a paramount concern. MEP Ridel stated that those responsible for the genocide in Gaza, whether in the Israeli government or the army, must be held accountable before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Following the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Donald Trump threatened sanctions against the court. Ridel criticized the EU’s inaction in protecting the ICC and its judges. She demanded that the EU activate its “blocking statute”—a legal mechanism designed to block the effects of American sanctions—to defend the ICC. “Without justice there will be no peace,” she affirmed.
The Power of Citizens: The “Justice for Palestine” European Citizens Initiative (ECI)
Moving the European Union to act is a complex process, often hindered by the requirement for unanimous decisions among member states. Some member states oppose taking action against Israel, leaving the EU divided and seemingly abandoning its core values.
However, Ridel finds hope in popular pressure. The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Justice for Palestine,” which calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel agreement, has gathered over 1.2 million signatures. Ridel believes that this level of public mobilization is crucial to forcing European governments to take decisive action that might otherwise be stalled by political gridlock.
Overcoming Historical Divisions for a Two-State Solution
Addressing the EU’s sluggish response, MEP Ridel acknowledged the heavy historical weight of the Second World War and the genocide of the Jews. She explained that for some parts of Europe, this historical memory makes it difficult to remain entirely objective when witnessing Israeli crimes.
Despite these obstacles, Ridel insists that Europe must stay true to its values of human rights and international law. Looking to the future, she is uncompromising in her belief that peace cannot be built with the current leadership. “We are not going to build the future for Palestinians and Israelis with Netanyahu or with Hamas,” she stated.
Instead, the focus must be on fostering a new generation of Israeli and Palestinian leaders dedicated to building peace with justice. Ridel remains a steadfast supporter of the two-state solution, envisioning a future where both peoples live side by side in the region with equal rights, equal security, and dignity.
“This is possible,” Ridel concluded, “but to make it possible we need the EU to act and to play its role for human rights and international law.”