The EU’s Moral Debt in Gaza and the Case for Reparations

Under international law, states must repair injuries resulting from wrongful acts. Yet, the EU maintains a double standard regarding Gaza. Beyond the broader devastation, Israel has demolished at least €150 million worth of EU-funded assets—hospitals, schools, and power plants—since 2020. Despite sending 12 formal requests for compensation, the European Commission cannot confirm if a single euro has been recovered. This silence undermines the bloc’s position in the Global South and ignores the financial strangulation of the Palestinian Authority through the illegal withholding of customs and VAT revenues under the 1994 Paris Protocol.

To restore its standing, the EU must move beyond rhetoric. Brussels should publicly disclose the full extent of damage to its funded projects and demand immediate, unconditional reparations. Furthermore, the bloc must insist that Israel resume the transfer of withheld clearance revenues, which are vital for the Palestinian Authority's survival. By earmarking the next long-term budget for reconstruction and leveraging the European Investment Bank, the EU could finally transition from a passive observer to an active participant in securing justice. Pursuing these claims is not merely a financial matter; it is a prerequisite for any credible two-state solution.