As successive reports from the Middle East bring news of rising civilian casualties, Europe’s response remains disturbingly restrained. Recent events surrounding the attempted suspension of EU-Israel dialogue, proposed by Josep Borrell, expose the deep disconnect between declared European values and actual political actions.

Europe, which for centuries built its identity on the foundations of Christian mercy and respect for human rights, today seems to be losing its moral compass. Particularly disturbing is the fact that the majority of EU member states rejected the proposal to suspend political dialogue with Israel, despite evident violations of humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.

The systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and refugee shelters, mass civilian casualties, and the blockade of humanitarian aid constitute flagrant violations of fundamental principles of international law. Describing these actions as war crimes is no exaggeration – history teaches us that mass civilian suffering, regardless of who is the victim and who is the perpetrator, deserves unequivocal condemnation.

Paradoxically, the same Europe that so often refers to the lessons of history and the tragic experiences of the 20th century seems to ignore the analogies between current events and past human tragedies. The term „Holocaust” cannot be appropriated by one group – the genocides in Rwanda and the massacre in Srebrenica demonstrate that systematic extermination of populations can affect any community.

Particularly telling is the stance of European institutions, which on one hand promote humanitarian values and human rights, while on the other remain passive in the face of escalating violence. Borrell’s proposal, though insufficient, was at least an attempt to react to the dramatic situation. Its rejection by the majority of member states calls into question the credibility of the European value system.

Europe today faces a fundamental moral choice. By continuing its policy of passivity towards the tragedy in Gaza, it risks not only losing its moral authority but also contradicting its own fundamental values. True leadership requires courage in opposing injustice, regardless of political and economic consequences.

It is necessary to break the spiral of violence and undertake real diplomatic actions that go beyond empty declarations. Europe must find the courage to stand on the side of justice and human rights, even if this means confronting difficult political choices.