Europe could have helped de-escalate war in the Middle East. Instead, its fractures are fuelling conflict

The outbreak of the worst violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades, triggered by Hamas' horrific attack on 7 October and Israel's disproportionate military response, marks a turning point in the unravelling of Europe's role in the world. Only a few months ago, the story was one of Europe, slowly but surely, acting as one. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukrainian courage and US military support enabled Ukraine to stand. Washington's assistance far outstripped what Europeans collectively could muster. But as the war dragged on, European governments rose to the challenge. And political unity in support of Ukraine has held despite…