EP Vice President calls for balanced approach to Gaza conflict: ‘Both sides have made mistakes’

European Parliament Vice President Sabine Verheyen has called for a balanced approach to the Middle East conflict, arguing that both sides have made mistakes in the ongoing crisis.

“There is no clear good or bad side. Both have made mistakes and are still making them,” Verheyen said. “What we need now are real steps forward. Not just activism that looks good online but does not truly help people.”

She was speaking about the European activists who sailed towards Gaza on the Freedom Flotilla to deliver food and supplies to Gaza. Verheyen dismissed their efforts as a publicity stunt. The activists were stopped by Israel's blockade, their boat was taken, and they were sent back safely, however, some were held in Israel in confinement after refusing to sign a deportation order that claimed they had “illegally” entered Israel.

“Do you really believe that boat would help the situation in Gaza with the small amount of food and supplies that were there?” Verheyen asked.

Verheyen argued that awareness of the Gaza conflict already exists worldwide, and what is needed are concrete solutions and serious negotiations rather than activist gestures.

She was speaking during the European Youth Event, which brings together thousands of young people from across Europe to discuss political issues with EU leaders.

The German politician, who described herself as fully supportive of Israel, said she does not back all measures taken by the Israeli government. She stressed that criticism of government actions should not extend to questioning a state's right to exist.

She explained the situation involves not just attacks between Israel and Iran, but also Iran's nuclear programme and Tehran's position that Israel should not exist. She said the European Union supports a two-state solution where neighbouring countries accept Israel's right to exist, while Israel stops its settlement programmes.

She also mentioned other conflicts, particularly Ukraine, saying she wished people showed the same concern for civilians suffering in Kyiv and other cities hit by Russian bombs and drones.

She pointed out both sides continue to make mistakes, leading to the current crisis. The 7 October attack targeted settlements and hostages remain unreleased. Hamas has also misused aid sent to Gaza for its own purposes, she said.

The Vice President expressed concern that the conflict could spread across the entire region, noting that progress had been made through the Abraham Accords before the 7 October attacks disrupted diplomatic efforts.

"You cannot solve the conflict just with an easy solution because the causes of this conflict go back many years and are very complicated," Verheyen told journalists at a press briefing during the European Youth Event.

She emphasised that any lasting solution requires time and cannot be achieved quickly, calling for a ceasefire respected by both sides under previously proposed conditions. The EU's role, she said, should focus on de-escalation and working towards a two-state model based on mutual respect.