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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
War in Gaza tests ties between Israel and traditional European allies
LONDON (AP) — Britain threatened Tuesday to take further action against Israel if it does not agree to end the war in Gaza, a day after two dozen mostly European countries condemned Israel's restrictions on aid shipments into the territory and the killings of hundreds of Palestinians trying to reach food. Despite the increasingly strong words, many are skeptical that Israel will yield to such pressure without more significant punitive action — and especially without the backing of Germany and the U.S., Israel's strongest Western allies. Outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza has grown in Europe as images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in London, Berlin, Brussels and other capitals. More recently, the almost daily killings of Palestinians while seeking aid have tested the EU's friendly relationship with Israel like never before. Members of the public wearing red demonstrate outside Parliament to protest the treatment of people in Gaza on the final day before summer recess at Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) But Europe remains divided on its stance toward Israel, and its limited sanctions and condemnations so far have had little effect. Here's a look at what Europe can do or has done — and why it hasn't done more. EU reviews its ties with Israel over Gaza The EU has been reviewing its diplomatic and trade ties with Israel over its conduct in Gaza. An internal report recently found indications that Israel has violated its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a 25-year-old legal framework governing the political relationship and trade cooperation between the two sides. But so far the EU has taken no action to suspend such ties. Some have criticized the EU — Israel's biggest trading partner — for a lack of political courage and for underestimating its leverage on Israel. 'What we can see is mounting pressure, but those are words, those are not actions,' said Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at London's Chatham House think tank. Individual countries, such as Britain, Canada and Australia, have slapped sanctions on Israeli settlers in connection with violence against Palestinians, including asset freezes and travel bans. But such measures have yielded few results. In addition, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway have sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers for allegedly 'inciting extremist violence' against Palestinians in the West Bank. The U.K. said in May that it would suspend free trade talks with Israel, also over the West Bank. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy hinted at stronger action Tuesday, saying he felt 'sickened' by the suffering in Gaza, but he did not specify what measures were being considered. 'We will continue to pressure. We will continue to act,' Lammy told British media, stressing the need to work with allies to get the 'maximum result.' Speaking Tuesday on X, European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's call for 'the free, safe and swift flow of humanitarian aid. And for the full respect of international and humanitarian law. Civilians in Gaza have suffered too much, for too long.' If Israel does not change course, options could include fully or partially suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which would require a unanimous agreement by all 27 members of the EU. Other steps could be suspending an aviation agreement, blocking imports from settlements, limiting scientific and technological cooperation, and curtailing travel for Israelis in the visa-free zone known as Schengen, according to a leaked document sent by the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, to member states. The document was seen by The Associated Press and verified by two EU diplomats. Nations could act on their own, including sanctioning specific companies or individuals in Israel or the occupied West Bank. Why hasn't Europe taken stronger action? The short answer is that Europe remains divided, and it is highly unlikely that the entire EU would reach unanimity to drastically dial up pressure on Israel. European nations such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain have publicly urged the EU to reassess its ties with Israel, charging that Israel has violated human rights conditions in its agreement with Brussels. But Germany and Hungary have staunchly defended Israel, along with Romania, which just bought air-defense systems from Israel. Suspending EU ties with Israel would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible to obtain. Germany is the main holdout Monday's joint statement by 25 countries was rejected by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who called it 'disgusting.' Western allies should instead pressure the 'savages of Hamas,' he said. Israel condemned the countries' stance and said Hamas was the sole party responsible for prolonging the war. Hamas triggered the ongoing 21-month war with its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, and continues to hold some 50 Israeli hostages. One significant outlier in Europe is Germany, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel in Europe, with relations rooted in the memory of the Holocaust. The country has vehemently rejected the idea of suspending the EU's association agreement with Israel. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other officials have gradually sharpened their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza in recent months. But they still appear to favor trying to influence Israel by conveying their concerns directly. Germany did not join allies in signing Monday's letter condemning Israeli restrictions on aid. There were signs of pushback within the German government Tuesday, when the parliamentary leader of Merz's junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats, said Germany should join Britain's initiative and that 'double standards undermine our international credibility.' Merz said Monday that he had spoken at length with Netanyahu last week and 'told him very clearly that we do not share the Israeli government's Gaza policy.' 'The way the Israeli army is acting there is unacceptable,' he said. Nomi Bar-Yaacov, an expert on diplomacy in the Middle East, said any EU action must go beyond words. 'Israel doesn't listen to language,' Bar-Yaacov said. 'I mean, language doesn't go anywhere with the current Israeli government. Unless a mechanism is agreed and enforced promptly, then the words have no meaning whatsoever.' ___ McNeil reported from Brussels. Associated Press Writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Starmer urged to engage with Scotland over Gaza evacuations
But Mr Swinney claims to have received no response from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has not responded to Mr Swinney's calls, the First Minister said (Frank Augstein/PA) In a statement to the PA news agency, Mr Swinney said: 'It is deeply saddening that so far the UK Government has refused to even enter into a dialogue about medical evacuations for children in Gaza who, without proper medical attention, will be left to die. 'That is the frank reality of life in Gaza under Israeli bombardment and blockade. 'The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of total collapse, with surgeons working day and night under artillery fire, with inadequate supplies and often no electricity. 'We know that many hospitals have been targeted and decimated by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).' The First Minister added that Scotland is prepared 'to do what is required to save the lives of as many of these kids as we can'. His initial call came after a meeting with children's charity Unicef, prompting him to declare a 'race against time' to help children in need of urgent medical care. 'But we can't do so without the support of the Labour Government to get the children through the UK visa system and into Scotland,' he said. 'The suffering, torment and killing of the people of Gaza has gone on for far too long. 'I urge the Prime Minister to urgently engage with the Scottish Government on this issue so we can save as many young lives as we can.' A spokeswoman for the UK Government said: 'Since the start of the conflict, UK support has provided essential healthcare to over 430,000 people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 'We have helped several children with complex paediatric conditions access privately funded medical care in the UK, supporting an initiative by Project Pure Hope. 'We have been clear the situation in Gaza is intolerable and that there must be an immediate ceasefire. 'We urge Israel to let vital humanitarian aid in and allow Gazans to receive urgent healthcare, including allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip to receive treatment.'
Global News
02-07-2025
- Health
- Global News
Vaccine injury programs elsewhere also face challenges, criticism
Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program is not the only one of its kind facing major challenges. Similar efforts in the U.S., U.K. and Australia have come under scrutiny for allegedly failing to support families amid surging applications and desperate pleas for help. The Australian government closed its new injury claim program and stopped accepting new applications on Sept. 30, 2024, after complaints about how applicants were treated. Australia had reportedly paid out about C$28.5 million in injury compensation. Its program has been widely criticized at home and by the global cable news outlet, Sky News. One veteran Australian Liberal MP has begun publicly advocating in Parliament for the injured. 'Some of them are so severely damaged' 'It's very distressing even to have these people face to face and speaking to them when you see some of them are so severely damaged,' MP Russell Broadbent told Sky News. Story continues below advertisement The U.K. program's administration costs were the equivalent of C$46 million as of January 2025. That sum exceeds the reported C$43.5 million spent on payouts to injured residents, The Daily Telegraph reported. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy As of January 2025, more than 17,500 Britons or their families have made injury claims, but several told the BBC they felt like they had been 'airbrushed out of the pandemic.' View image in full screen People lined up for vaccination at St Thomas' Hospital in London on Dec. 15, 2021. Long lines formed for booster shots across England at the time as the U.K. government urged adults to protect themselves against the omicron variant. Frank Augstein / Associated Press Some Britons have also criticized their program as too slow to assess injury cases, with thresholds made too high to qualify and payouts too low for those who get them. The U.S. government also faces a flood of claims, but most are being rejected. Data shows 13,836 people have filed COVID-19 injury claims under the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program as of May 1, 2025. Story continues below advertisement The countermeasures effort exists as a separate program from its vaccine injury system to compensate people hurt during national emergencies, like COVID-19, when new vaccines or treatments are rolled out. U.S. officials reported that of the 13,836 COVID-19-related countermeasures injury claims it has received so far, the HRSA has issued decisions in 4,413 cases, denying 4,338 claims. To date, U.S. officials have found only 75 claims eligible for compensation. The number of claims compensated totaled just 39, according to data disclosed on June 1. The American program has been harshly criticized, as well. And a U.S. congressional committee has warned that without major reforms, clearing the backlog in the countermeasures program may take almost 10 years. The U.S. program states on its website that officials assessing the majority of COVID-19 countermeasure injury claims are 'still waiting for records and documentation to be submitted.'
Glasgow Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. The Prince of Wales meets Kleber Karipuna (third right), indigenous leader of Brazil's Karipuna people from Amapa, Jennifer Lasimbang (second right), former member of Sabah State Legislative Assembly, and Juan Carlos Jintiach, general secretary for the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (Frank Augstein/PA) He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' Marina Silva, right, Brazil's minister of environment and climate, has invited William to Cop30 (Frank Augstein/PA) William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
Western Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. The Prince of Wales meets Kleber Karipuna (third right), indigenous leader of Brazil's Karipuna people from Amapa, Jennifer Lasimbang (second right), former member of Sabah State Legislative Assembly, and Juan Carlos Jintiach, general secretary for the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (Frank Augstein/PA) He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' Marina Silva, right, Brazil's minister of environment and climate, has invited William to Cop30 (Frank Augstein/PA) William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
