EU Proposes Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict; Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthis in Yemen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to seek sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel in response to its military campaign in Gaza. She stated that the situation in Gaza has "shaken the conscience of the world" and emphasized that "man-made hunger cannot be used as a weapon of war." The proposed measures include suspending bilateral support to Israel, except for funding civil society and Yad Vashem, and imposing sanctions on certain Israeli ministers and settlers.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the proposed sanctions, describing them as "lamentable" and asserting that they would "strengthen Hamas." He accused von der Leyen of yielding to pressures that harm Israel-Europe relations.

Concurrently, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of al-Jawf. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the attacks resulted in at least 35 deaths and 131 injuries. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted military camps and a fuel storage facility used by the Houthis.

These developments underscore escalating tensions in the region, with the European Union considering punitive measures against Israel, while Israel continues its military operations against Houthi forces in Yemen.