The emblem of Israel stood raised near the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium, as confirmed by Ursula von der Leyen on her social media channel. The post noted that EU and Israeli flags were flying together today.
The European Commissioner explained that the display marks the EU’s solidarity with Israel amid escalating attacks from Palestinian militant groups. The message underscored a commitment to stand with Israel and its people during a period of heightened tension and violence.
On 7 October, Hamas and allied factions launched a large-scale barrage of rockets into Israel, followed by the announcement of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response to the unfolding events, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared a state of emergency in the country on that day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later announced that Israel was at war. The Israel Defense Forces named their offensive against Hamas as Operation Iron Swords, and aerial strikes targeted multiple Hamas sites across the Gaza Strip in what officials described as a significant military response.
Vitaliy Klitschko, the former mayor of Kyiv, stated that the Israeli flag would appear on advertising materials in the city for a single day as a gesture of support and solidarity.
These actions occur within a broader geopolitical context in which European leaders emphasize unity with Israel while navigating concerns about regional stability, civilian safety, and international law. Observers note that such displays of support can influence diplomatic signaling and public perception across Europe and North America, where political leaders continually weigh responses to asymmetric warfare and regional conflicts. Citations: European Commission communications; official statements from Israeli and Ukrainian officials; independent analyses from regional policy observers. [Source attribution: European Commission press releases and government briefings]