Why Israel’s Treatment in the Gaza Crisis Contrasts with Russia’s Sanctions

Web Editor

July 30, 2025

a man and a woman sitting in chairs talking to each other in front of flags and a table with a vase

Background on the Gaza Crisis and Israel’s Actions

Blanca Vilá, an academic in International Relations at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, points out that what we are witnessing in the Gaza crisis is essentially a European crisis. She notes that while Russia was immediately sanctioned, Israel is being treated with kid gloves. Over 20 months have passed since Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people in Israeli territory. Since March last year, Israel has closed the tap and restricted the passage of food aid by the United Nations.

Western Countries Accuse Israel of Genocide

In 2023, six Western countries issued the most severe written accusation against Israel for genocide in Gaza. They did so while condemning Myanmar for perpetrating a genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark presented a Joint Declaration of Intervention to the International Court of Justice, defining genocide and stating that “each criterion for condemning Myanmar is met today in Gaza with even more overwhelming evidence.”

Questions and Answers Regarding the Situation

  • What happened to the UN Charter? Vilá questions, “Why is no one mentioning that Israel also violates it?”
  • How did the US and EU respond to Russia’s actions? They immediately sanctioned Russia through multilateral organizations like the United Nations. However, there has been no similar response to Israel’s violations.
  • What is the sentiment within the European Union regarding Ursula von der Leyen’s negotiations with Trump? There is dissatisfaction among several EU members about how Von der Leyen handled tariff discussions with Trump.
  • What is the most concerning aspect of the situation for Vilá? “What von der Leyen cannot erase is the issue of Gaza; her inaction.”

Implications of the Contrasting Treatment

Vilá believes that the second term of the President of the European Commission will be marked by submission, as evidenced by her meeting with then-President Donald Trump and the profound silence regarding events in Gaza. The discontent within the European Union over Von der Leyen’s handling of tariffs with Trump further highlights the stark contrast in how Israel and Russia are being treated during this crisis.

Contextualizing Israel’s Role and Relevance

Israel, a country with significant geopolitical importance and strategic alliances, particularly with the United States, has long been a focal point in Middle Eastern affairs. Its actions and international relations carry weight, influencing regional stability and global perceptions. The ongoing Gaza crisis has once again brought Israel’s policies and their consequences under intense scrutiny, prompting discussions about the disparity in treatment compared to Russia’s swift sanctions.

The Need for Consistent International Response

As the Gaza crisis unfolds, there is growing concern over the inconsistency in international responses. Critics argue that holding countries accountable for human rights violations should not be selective, especially when it comes to grave matters such as genocide. The situation calls for a unified and principled approach from global powers, ensuring that all nations adhere to international law and human rights standards.