Member state accuses EU of inaction on Israel despite Gaza ‘genocide’

Slovenia has condemned the bloc’s double standards in sanctioning Russia over Ukraine while failing to act on Israel

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon has condemned the EU’s inaction toward Israel despite the casualties and what she described as “genocidal acts” in Gaza.

In an interview with Bloomberg on Wednesday, she said the bloc failed to take steps in response to the humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel has faced growing backlash over the conflict, with several Western countries announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state, and in some cases, reduce military or trade cooperation.

Fajon, who also serves as Slovenia’s deputy prime minister, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of violating international law and committing “genocidal acts.” She said the EU has not imposed “a single measure” against Israel, contrasting this with the bloc’s unity in punishing Russia for the Ukraine conflict.

She pointed to last week’s UN-backed declaration of famine in Gaza, saying it prompted little reaction in Brussels.

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“And yet we are discussing the 18th package of sanctions against Moscow,” she said, adding that her main priority is to end what she called a “brutal war.” Russia has described the Western sanctions as “illegal.”

“I hear a lot of criticism from our global partners that don’t understand us – the way we are reacting to these distinct conflicts,” Fajon told the outlet. “I do hope there will be even, growing pressure from our societies” on Israel.

Slovenia, a country of just over 2 million, has taken a leading role among EU members in criticizing Israel’s campaign. In July, Ljubljana became the first to halt all arms trade with Israel, barred two Israeli ministers from entry, and banned imports from occupied Palestinian territories. It has also joined a growing push to recognize Palestinian statehood, along with Spain, Norway, Ireland, Canada, and France.

The call echoes the position of nations such as Russia that recognize Palestine and view a two-state solution as the only way to end the Gaza war.

The conflict broke out in 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 61,000 people in the enclave, according to recent estimates.