Reference Message Network reported on May 23 that according to a report by the website of the German South German Newspaper on May 22, due to the escalation of the situation in Gaza, the relations between the EU and Israel have rapidly deteriorated. This also made it necessary for the German government to take action.

The report said that the German government spokesman said on the 21st that Chancellor Merz is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the occupied coastal area of Israel. Germany is one of the most loyal supporters of Israel within the EU, but as Israel's actions and the suffering of civilians are drawing increasing criticism, Germany finds itself increasingly isolated.

The diplomatic delegation stationed in the West Bank, including German diplomats, was shot at, further fueling serious dissatisfaction. The spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said: "The Federal Foreign Ministry strongly condemns this unwarranted shooting incident."

The report also mentioned that at a meeting held in Brussels on the evening of the 20th, 17 out of the 27 foreign ministers and foreign affairs ministers of EU countries voted in favor of reviewing the EU-Israel Association Agreement by the European Commission and, if necessary, abolishing the agreement. Germany expressed opposition to this. However, anger towards the Israeli government is clearly growing in Berlin.

Kaja Kalas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presided over the meeting held in Brussels and described the situation of people in Gaza as "catastrophic." Kallas said: "Member states consider this situation intolerable."

Her predecessor, Josep Borrell from Spain, is considered a harsh critic of Israel. To this day, he still accuses Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza.

The report noted with surprise that it was Dutch Foreign Minister Casper Feltkamp who proposed reviewing the association agreement. Previously, the Netherlands has always been a reliable supporter of Israel. The new Belgian government has also changed its stance in recent days. The center-right government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which was initially friendly to Israel, has now adopted exactly the same position as the previous left-wing government. Two of the five party leaders in the ruling coalition accused Israel of carrying out "genocide."

The report mentioned that French President Macron sought support outside the EU on the 20th: together with UK Prime Minister Starmour and Canadian Prime Minister Kenny, he described Israel's actions in Gaza as "totally inappropriate" and threatened to sanction Israel. (Compiled/Translated by Song Yuhao)

Video footage showed that on May 21, the diplomatic delegation visiting near the Jenin refugee camp hastily took cover after being fired upon by Israeli troops. (AFP)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507478451822166580/

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