Berlin/Rome/Dublin (TDI): Germany and Italy have warned Israel against aggression in the Gaza Strip, whereas, Ireland’s cabinet has given formal approval to draft legislation on a trade ban with Israel.
The Foreign Minister of Germany threatened Israel against unspecified measures on, Tuesday, saying that the country would not export arms to Israel that would be used to violate humanitarian law.
It is important to note that Germany and the United States were among the countries that had supported Israel’s action since October 2023.
This shift in German policy came as the European Union announced last week that it is reconsidering its Israel policy, and some Western countries including France, Britain, Canada, and Ireland threatened Israel with “concrete actions” over its human rights violations in Gaza.
The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, warned Israel stating that Germany’s massive military support for Israel must not be instrumentalized and that the air strikes and shortage of food supplies and medicines had made the situation in Gaza “unbearable.”
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He clarified that as of now, no new weapons order of Israel was under consideration, and added, “Where we see dangers of harm, we will of course intervene and certainly not supply weapons so that there will be further harm.”
The newly appointed Chancellor of Germany, Fredrich Merz, also criticized Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza, while speaking at a press conference in Finland. He stated that Israel’s aggression in Gaza can no longer be justified by the need to counter Hamas and is “no longer comprehensible.”
Italy Condemns Israel After Mounting Pressure from Opposition
Similarly, Italy’s Foreign Minister also reprimanded Israel over its continued assault on the Gaza Strip, saying that it has now become unacceptable and therefore must stop immediately. He also warned Israel against any move to displace the Palestinians from the enclave forcefully.
Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, spoke to the parliament about the recent aggression of the Israeli government in Gaza and said, “The bombing must end, humanitarian assistance must resume as soon as possible, respect for international humanitarian law must be restored.”
The government of Italy has come under fire as the opposition parties announced demonstrations on June 7, calling for formal recognition of the state of Palestine, and sanctions against Israel.
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Riccardo Ricciardi, an Italian lawmaker from the 5-Star Movement, harshly criticized the government and said, “The levels of political, moral and intellectual squalor that all of you, Italian and European ruling classes, are reaching, will condemn you as those who are complicit in extermination, genocide and inhuman crime.”
Responding to the comments of the opposition, the Foreign Minister said, “The expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza is not and will never be an acceptable option.” He further reiterated that Italy might take part in an Arab-led peacekeeping mission in Gaza.
Ireland Agrees to Draft Trade Ban Legislation
On Tuesday, the cabinet of Ireland gave its approval to formally draft legislation regarding a trade ban with the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. T
he Prime Minister of Ireland, despite the country’s limited trade with Israel, announced that the trade ban with Israel is a “symbolic move” followed by the country’s official recognition of the Palestinian state, last year.
The bill will be considered and discussed by a Parliamentary committee in the coming week, said the Foreign Minister, Simon Harris, on Tuesday.
One year ago today, as Taoiseach, I was proud to announce Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine.
We took that step in hope and conviction: that a two-State solution is the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
My statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TanNcaqVVO
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 28, 2025
However, it is important to note that the bill will only restrict the import of goods from the Israeli illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, and not the services. Once drafted, the bill will then be presented before the lower and upper houses to be voted on, likely by the end of this year.
Simon Harris, while talking about the bill said, “In many ways this is a small measure but it is imperative on all countries to do all that we can to maximize the pressure and conditions to bring about a ceasefire.”
He also hoped that other countries will also follow a similar path to stop Israeli aggression on the people of Palestine.
Javaria Khalid is a writer and researcher, who specializes in Pakistan's Foreign Policy Analysis, Europe's Security, and Pakistan’s relations with the European countries and the EU. She can be reached at javariakhalid011@outlook.com
