22.05.2025 Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused unnamed European officials of the “toxic antisemitic incitement” he blamed for an increasingly hostile climate in which the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington took place. (Image above: Jewish Museum, Washington DC)
Israel has faced a wave of criticism from Europe of late as it has intensified its military campaign in Gaza, where humanitarian groups have warned that an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid supplies has caused the Palestinian enclave the risks of famine.

Gideon Saar, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, press conference on the murder of Israeli diplomats in Washington, DC ( english version) pic.twitter.com/nFqqPcY2f5

— Eli Goldman | אלי גולדמן (@EliGoldmanx) May 22, 2025

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“There is a direct line connecting antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder. This incitement is also done by leaders and officials of many countries and international organizations, especially from Europe. Their words are the modern blood libels. Blood libels about genocide, crimes against humanity and murdering babies paved the way exactly for such murders,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem.

Earlier this week, the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement threatening Israel with “concrete actions” if it does not suspend its expanded ground operation in Gaza. Additionally, the EU said that its agreement with Israel is under review over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Shocked by the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC.

There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism.

I extend my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Israel.

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) May 22, 2025

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“…The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is, of course, welcomed, but it is a drop in the ocean” said the EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, while addressing the Brussels press corps on Monday, May 19.

“Aid must flow immediately without obstruction and at scale because this is what is needed. I have made these points also [during] my talks with Israelis. I have had talks with [the] UN and the regional leaders as well. Pressure is necessary to change the situation” she continued.

“It is clear from today’s discussion that there is a strong majority in favour of [the] review of Article 2 of our Association Agreement with Israel. So, we will launch this exercise and, in the meantime, it is up to Israel to unblock the humanitarian aid. Saving lives must be our top priority”.