EU Proposes Sanctions and Trade Suspension Against Israel Over Gaza Conflict

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that the European Union will propose sanctions targeting extremist Israeli ministers and seek a partial suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, particularly concerning trade.

In her State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza, stating that the events have "shaken the conscience of the world." She emphasized that "man-made famine can never be a weapon of war" and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The proposed measures include withdrawing trade preferences for Israeli products entering the EU market, a move that would require a qualified majority vote among EU member states. Additionally, the Commission plans to halt bilateral support to Israel, while continuing collaboration with Israeli civil society and institutions like Yad Vashem.

Von der Leyen also indicated plans to establish a "Palestine donor group" next month, aiming to support Gaza's reconstruction efforts.

Israel has rejected claims of starvation in Gaza and emphasized its efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid into the region. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized von der Leyen's remarks, stating they were "tainted by echoing the false propaganda of Hamas and its partners."

The success of von der Leyen’s proposals remains uncertain due to political divisions within the EU, with member states holding differing views on how to approach Israel and the Gaza conflict.