A recent report by the European Center for Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Studies shed light on the most prominent positions of European countries regarding recent developments in the Palestinian territories, noting that “the Gaza war could constitute a new drain on European countries’ weapons and ammunition stores, not to mention providing financial support, with what This creates a new burden and responsibility for Europe.”

The same source pointed out that “whatever the reasons and motives for the war in Gaza are, it will certainly be at the expense of the Ukrainian-Russian war, especially in the media aspect and the political positions of the countries,” considering at the same time that “the Israeli-Palestinian escalation will have long-term consequences on the European continent, as Similar to creating a new wave of migration from the Middle East towards the countries of the continent, with the threat this means to European national security,” stressing that “this situation forces European countries to work closely with their regional partners who can mediate a solution to this conflict.”

The same report stressed that “Europe and the countries of the world at the present time do not need a new war and the opening of other fronts in parallel with the Ukraine war and the worsening international conflicts and tensions,” noting that “although European countries clearly stand by Israel, they still support the right of the Palestinian people.” In establishing his state.

In its review of the most important positions of European countries in this regard, the European Center for Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Studies referred to the French position, as “the French government announced on October 7th its support for Israel, before it joined the series of countries calling for avoiding escalation and working to find a solution.” political and lasting peace”; This position was explained by the report as “a state of anxiety about the repercussions of the war’s repercussions within French society, especially with the presence of gatherings supporting both sides of the war.”

As for Germany, it also affirmed its solidarity with Israel, as the German government announced on October 12 that it “banned the activities of the Hamas movement and temporarily halted development aid to the Palestinian territories.” German prosecutors also opened an investigation after Berlin confirmed the presence of German citizens among the “hostages held by Hamas,” according to the same source.

The report stated that “Britain supported Israel’s right to take appropriate measures in light of this situation,” adding that “intelligence reports indicated that London was prepared to provide Israel with intelligence information about potential threats and targets, in addition to military equipment,” and explaining that “British law may not allow By waving the Palestinian flag in the streets if the goal is to show support for Hamas.”

The same document also referred to “the European Union’s review of development aid to Palestine,” noting in this regard “the suspension of aid worth 691 million euros on October 9, despite some countries’ opposition to this decision, such as Spain, Ireland, and Luxembourg, before the European Commission issued a statement. Explanatory statements were essentially a retraction of this decision,” and added, “Many European countries discussed the possibility of providing aid to Israel, but many European officials are concerned that because of the aid sent to Ukraine, they have almost nothing left.”

The report concluded that the decisions taken by the European Union and member states may have major repercussions on the situation in the Palestinian territories, considering that “the current situation has raised concerns among investors after the decline in the value of stocks in a number of European markets, and European airlines suspending their flights to Israel.” 

While Jochen Hebeler, a German political analyst and expert in Middle East affairs, was quoted as saying, “The situation on the ground during the previous years was slowly stabilizing in favor of Israel, which increased its settlement policy, while Gaza turned into an open-air prison for more than two million people,” stressing the “The main goal is to force Israel and the world to reconsider the Palestinian issue, regardless of how brutal and dangerous the process that entails is.”