In a powerful display of discontent, more than 800 EU officials have penned a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, decrying her unwavering support for Israel as Gaza continues to bear the brunt of relentless bombings. The signatories, whose letter was obtained by Al Jazeera, express deep concern over the European Union's stance, asserting that it deviates from the values the bloc upholds. The officials accuse the EU of demonstrating a disheartening "indifference" and neglect of international humanitarian law in the face of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The letter highlights the Commission's alleged double standards, drawing attention to its classification of Russia's blockade of Ukraine as an act of terror, while remaining silent on Israel's blockade of Gaza. The signatories go as far as to state that if Israel does not halt its actions immediately, the entire Gaza Strip and its inhabitants will face annihilation. Urging von der Leyen to rally the leaders of the Union for a call to cease hostilities and protect civilian lives, the officials warn that the EU's credibility is at stake.

The letter underscores the profound divisions within the EU regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians in a span of less than two weeks. The European Commission's recent actions and positions are chastised as enabling and legitimizing what the signatories describe as a "war crime" unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

With the death toll in Gaza surpassing 4,000, including numerous children, the officials express disappointment that the EU did not issue a resolute call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence against civilians. These criticisms of von der Leyen come as reports emerge of US diplomats preparing a "dissent cable" on the Middle East war, exposing divisions in Washington's policy.

The European Commission has acknowledged the letter and expressed its readiness to engage with staff members and citizens to understand their perspectives. The Commission, through a spokesperson, emphasized that its President has consistently underscored the importance of standing in solidarity with Israel and addressing the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. However, an anonymous EU source disclosed that the letter is unlikely to generate a change in EU policy, reflecting the growing divide between some staff members who advocate for a consistent application of international law worldwide.

The source also notes that von der Leyen's team appears to have misread the situation, anticipating a response akin to the Ukraine conflict. Efforts are being made to adjust their narrative, aiming to maintain credibility as staunch allies of Israel while addressing the conflict's humanitarian aspect and emphasizing diplomatic endeavors. The developments have led to rising dissent among some European Parliament staffers as well, who are critical of the perceived alignment with Israel's actions.

The situation further exposes deep divisions within the EU, with varied stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The lack of a unified approach has hindered effective EU policy on this dossier, contributing to a stall in progress on addressing the long-standing crisis.

While the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the Israel-Gaza war, the document did not touch upon the Israeli occupation or the blockade in Gaza. Debates within the institution highlight the extent of disunity, with discussions centering on the use of "ceasefire" versus "pause" in the resolution.

Tensions continue to rise across the EU, with many officials expressing both shame and concern about their association with the bloc. The conflation of Jewish people and the State of Israel is identified as a problem, with limited diversity among Jewish and Muslim individuals working for the EU impacting perceptions of solidarity with Palestinians.

As the crisis in Gaza worsens and the EU faces internal divisions, it remains to be seen how von der Leyen will navigate the diplomatic landscape and respond to the growing discontent among staff members and citizens.