Rethinking Diplomacy: Europe’s Fractured Role in the Israel–Gaza Crisis

By Charoltte Stewart

The latest escalation in the Israel–Gaza conflict has once again revealed the limits of the international community’s ability to resolve long-standing, deeply rooted conflicts. Since October 2023, the violence has intensified, with devastating civilian casualties and deteriorating humanitarian conditions—especially in Gaza. What this conflict has laid bare is not only the human cost of war but the incoherence and indecision of international diplomacy, particularly in Europe.

European countries have long positioned themselves as defenders of multilateralism and human rights. But when it comes to Israel–Palestine, the European Union and its member states have struggled to present a united or effective front. This fragmentation has weakened the continent’s ability to influence outcomes in the region.

France: A Leading—but Divided—Voice

France has historically played a prominent role in Middle East diplomacy. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key European power, Paris has often advocated for both Israel’s security and Palestinian statehood. President Emmanuel Macron has tried to walk a careful line—condemning Hamas’s attacks, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, but also calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza.

Macron has criticized what he views as disproportionate Israeli military responses and urged Israeli leadership to respect international law. At the same time, France has faced domestic pressure: the large Arab and Jewish populations in France, combined with rising tensions and political polarization, have made public messaging especially sensitive. Pro-Palestinian protests have surged in cities like Paris and Marseille, prompting debates around free speech, antisemitism, and civic unrest.

Despite these challenges, France has attempted to mediate regional diplomacy through outreach to Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar. Yet these efforts have not yielded any major breakthroughs. Like many European states, France supports the idea of a two-state solution, but there is growing skepticism about whether that vision still holds practical weight amid ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, and internal political divisions within both Israel and Palestine.

Europe’s Broader Dilemma

Beyond France, Europe as a whole has shown signs of diplomatic paralysis. While the European Parliament passed symbolic resolutions condemning violence on both sides, EU member states remain split in their approach. Germany has backed Israel strongly, citing historical responsibility. Ireland, Spain, and Belgium, on the other hand, have taken firmer stances criticizing Israeli actions and calling for greater accountability.

The European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, has attempted to call for ceasefires and coordinated humanitarian efforts, but these statements often lack enforcement mechanisms or political teeth. Much like the UN, Europe is caught between normative declarations and geopolitical caution.

Diplomatic Drift and Missed Opportunities

The failure to deliver a unified or effective European response has diminished the EU’s role as a credible global actor in conflict resolution. While the United States continues to dominate headlines—particularly through its vetoes at the UN and unwavering military aid to Israel—Europe’s quiet indecision is no less consequential.

As regional powers like Egypt and Qatar attempt to broker limited ceasefires, the absence of a coherent European strategy becomes more evident. There is space for Europe, and France in particular, to lead a more values-based diplomatic initiative rooted in humanitarian principles and long-term stability—but that opportunity is rapidly fading.

Systemic Challenges

Part of the problem lies in the structure of the international system itself. Global diplomacy still prioritizes state sovereignty over civilian protection. Intervention—even in the face of widespread destruction—is seen as politically risky. Powerful actors with commercial, security, and ideological interests often paralyze meaningful action.

The European Union, despite its economic weight and rhetorical emphasis on human rights, has yet to translate its values into clear foreign policy leadership in the Middle East. Without stronger institutional coordination and political will, Europe's potential remains untapped.

Looking Forward

The Israel–Gaza conflict is a devastating reminder of how slow and fragmented the international response to humanitarian crises can be. If diplomacy is to be effective, it must be faster, more coherent, and more courageous. Europe—and especially France—have the diplomatic history and global platforms to shape peacebuilding efforts, but that will require overcoming internal divides and reasserting principled leadership on the global stage.

Charlotte S. is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, specializing in International Relations through the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. With a strong passion for diplomacy, global governance, and human rights, Charlotte is particularly interested in how international institutions and regional powers—especially in Europe—respond to humanitarian crises and shape conflict resolution frameworks.