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The initial stage of Donald Trump's Gaza proposal has elicited a collective sense of relief among European leaders. Following 24 months of violence, the ceasefire, hostage releases, partial IDF pullback, and aid delivery offer hope – and unfortunately, create an excuse for European nations to persist with passivity.

Europe's Troubling Position on the Gaza Conflict

When it comes to the Gaza conflict, in contrast to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, European governments have revealed their poorest performance. They are divided, leading to political gridlock. More alarming than inaction is the charge of complicity in Israel's war crimes. EU bodies have refused to apply leverage on those responsible while continuing economic, diplomatic, and military partnership.

Israel's violations have sparked widespread anger among European citizens, yet European leaders have lost touch with their constituents, particularly youth. Just five years ago, the EU spearheaded the environmental movement, addressing young people's concerns. These very youth are now appalled by their leaders' inaction over Gaza.

Delayed Recognition and Ineffective Measures

Only after 24 months of a conflict that many consider a genocide for multiple EU countries including France, Britain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta to acknowledge the State of Palestine, following other European nations' lead from the previous year.

Only recently did the European Commission propose the initial cautious sanctions toward Israel, including penalizing radical officials and aggressive colonists, plus suspending EU trade preferences. However, both measures have been implemented. The first requires unanimous agreement among 27 EU governments – unlikely given strong opposition from nations including Hungary and the Czech Republic. The second could pass with a supermajority, but key countries' objections have rendered it ineffective.

Contrasting Responses and Damaged Trust

In June, the EU determined that Israel had breached its human rights obligations under the bilateral trade deal. But recently, the EU's top diplomat paused efforts to revoke the agreement's trade privileges. The difference with the EU's multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia could not be more pronounced. On Ukraine, Europe has taken a principled stand for freedom and global norms; on Gaza, it has shattered its credibility in the international community.

The US Initiative as an Escape Route

Currently, Trump's plan has provided Europe with an escape route. It has allowed European governments to embrace US requirements, similar to their approach on Ukraine, defense, and commerce. It has enabled them to promote a new dawn of stability in the Middle East, shifting attention from punitive measures toward backing for the American initiative.

Europe has retreated into its familiar position of taking a secondary role to the US. While Middle Eastern nations are expected to bear responsibility for an peacekeeping mission in Gaza, EU members are lining up to contribute with aid, rebuilding, administrative help, and border monitoring. Talk of pressure on Israel has largely vanished.

Implementation Challenges and Political Realities

This situation is understandable. Trump's plan is the only available proposal and certainly the single approach with some possibility, even if limited, of success. This is not because to the intrinsic value of the proposal, which is problematic at best. It is instead because the United States is the sole actor with sufficient influence over Israel to effect change. Supporting US diplomacy is therefore not just convenient for European leaders, it makes sense too.

Nevertheless, executing the plan beyond initial steps is more challenging than anticipated. Multiple hurdles and catch-22s exist. Israel is unlikely to fully pull out from Gaza unless Hamas disarms. But Hamas will not surrender entirely unless Israel departs.

What Lies Ahead and Required Action

This initiative aims to transition toward local administration, initially featuring local experts and then a "reformed" Palestinian Authority. But reformed authority means radically different things to the US, Europe, Arab countries, and the local population. Israel opposes this entity altogether and, with it, the concept of a Palestinian state.

The Israeli government has been explicitly clear in restating its consistent objective – the elimination of Hamas – and has carefully evaded addressing an conflict resolution. It has not completely adhered to the ceasefire: since it came into effect, dozens of Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli forces, while additional individuals have been shot by Hamas.

Unless the international community, and especially the US and Europe, exert greater pressure on Israel, the odds are that mass violence will resume, and Gaza – as well as the West Bank – will remain under occupation. In short, the remaining points of the plan will not be implemented.

Final Analysis

This is why Europeans are wrong to view support for Trump's plan and pressure on Israel as distinct or contradictory. It is expedient but factually wrong to see the former as part of the paradigm of peace and the second to one of continuing war. This is not the moment for the EU and its member states to feel let off the hook, or to abandon the initial cautious steps toward sanctions and requirements.

Pressure applied to Israel is the only way to surmount political hurdles, and if successful, Europe can finally make a modest – but positive, at least – contribution to peace in the Middle East.