Why Do Only Former Government Officials Protest?

Photograph by Nathaniel St. Clair

At the beginning of February 2026, 404 former European Union ministers and ambassadors signed a statement condemning Israel for its actions in Gaza. In, part the statement urged the following:

1.”The EU and member states must [aspire] to bring peace  in accordance with long-standing UN principles, resolutions, and international law.”

2. “The EU and member states must reach out proactively to like-minded partners in the Middle East and global south.