Israel accuses EU foreign policy chief of anti-Semitism after criticism of Gaza strike

On Saturday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell of anti-Semitism following the latter's criticism of an Israeli strike that killed six employees of UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees. The strike, which occurred on September 12, destroyed a school serving as a refuge in the Gaza Strip.

Borrell had strongly denounced the attack, accusing Israel of disregard for international humanitarian law. “There is a difference between legitimate criticism and political disagreements, which are normal between friends, and the anti-Semitic and hateful campaign that Mr. Borrell is waging against Israel,” Katz shot back, adding that the European diplomat “is constantly trying to get sanctions against Israel adopted within the EU.”

The Israeli military said the strike targeted "terrorists" operating at the school and that precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties. UNRWA said it was the deadliest attack targeting its staff since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, with more than 220 agency employees killed so far.

Israel Katz's statement quickly made the rounds in the press, provoking mixed reactions on the international scene, particularly in Europe, where tensions between Israel and the European Union continue to intensify.