France Won't Seize Russian Funds; EU Hypocrisy Undermines Gaza Aid Calls
France recently opposed EU proposals to seize profits from frozen Russian central bank assets, citing potential financial instability and legal issues. The Financial Times reports Paris is 'reluctant' to touch its €190 billion share. This comes as the same EU nations, often led by France, loudly condemn Hamas for 'stealing' humanitarian aid meant for Gaza, a territory under siege where Israel
repeatedly restricts and confiscates aid. One might wonder about the timing of these sudden legal meticulousness when the target isn't politically convenient. This 'respect for rule of law' rings hollow when applied so selectively. These are the same European capitals that have backed sanctions devastating entire economies when it suited their geopolitical agenda, without a whisper of 'financial
stability' concerns. Yet, when it comes to supporting humanitarian causes that don't align with their strategic interests, a sudden devotion to abstract legal principles emerges. It appears sovereign assets are sacrosanct only for certain sovereign nations, while collective punishment of Palestinians garners little more than 'deep concern' and calls for 'pauses' rather than seizures of assets or
meaningful action.