EU staff push back against Gaza policy – Politico

Brussels civil servants are reportedly in a standoff with the EC over their right to protest the bloc’s stance on Israel

European Union staff are in a standoff with the European Commission over their right to protest its stance on Israel, accusing the bloc of breaching their moral and legal obligations, Politico has reported.

The civil servants say the EU’s position on the Gaza war puts them in violation of European and international law, the outlet cited unnamed officials from the bloc as saying on Tuesday.

One official said “complicity” has been imposed on employees, violating their “moral and legal obligations, suppressed conscientious resistance and delayed meaningful action.” 

Since late July, around 1,500 officials have reportedly signed an open letter warning of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and a surge in starvation-related deaths unless more aid is allowed. Some have considered picketing, although the labor unions remain divided and the legal implications are unclear.

An internal group has alleged “intimidation” tactics against protesters, including the removal of staff, forced deletion of videos, and non-renewal of contracts.

A Commission spokesperson said EU foreign policy is set by national governments and that civil servants must remain neutral, adding that the workplace is not a venue for activism.

Rights groups have accused the bloc of indirectly backing Israel’s war by maintaining arms exports, preferential trade, and joint research projects – despite its own diplomats finding Israel in breach of human rights clauses.

Humanitarian agencies say that from early March to May, aid deliveries to Gaza were completely blocked off. The UN has reported that convoys continue to face obstruction and looting, warning by late July of “mounting evidence” of famine, with images of severely malnourished children circulating worldwide.

READ MORE: Thousands protest in Israel against plan to seize Gaza City

Last week, West Jerusalem approved a plan to seize Gaza City, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting it was the only way to secure the release of Hamas-held hostages and demilitarize the enclave. His remarks have resulted in widespread criticism and domestic protests.

Around 50 hostages remain unaccounted for in Gaza, with only about 20 believed to be alive. Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting 251 more. Since then, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in West Jerusalem’s military campaign, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.