Gaza: EU proposes sanctions against Israel

The European Union, through the European Commission, has presented a proposal to suspend certain trade agreements with Israel following its persistent military action in Gaza.

The proposal, announced by European Commission President von der Leyen in her State of the Union address, includes sanctions on Hamas, extremist ministers, and violent settlers.

The multinational alliance is pausing its bilateral support to Israel, affecting yearly allocations between 2025 and 2027, except for support to civil society and Yad Vashem.

Additionally, ongoing institutional cooperation projects with Israel and projects funded under the Regional EU–Israel Cooperation Facility will also be affected.

The planned actions follow a review of Israel’s conduct, which revealed that the Israeli government had breached essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles.

The European Commission denounced the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza following Israel’s military intervention and the blockade of humanitarian aid.

The Union further decried the escalation of military operations and the decision of the Israeli authorities to advance the settlement plan in the so-called E1 area of the West Bank, which further undermines the two-state solution.

At the signing of an agreement on the controversial E1 settlement expansion plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s rejection of Palestine becoming an independent nation.

Condemning Israel’s activities, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demanded that the “horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop.”

She called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU remains the biggest donor of humanitarian aid and an unwavering champion of the two-state solution, endorsed by the New York Declaration of July 2025.

The declaration to recognise Palestine as an independent state enjoys the support of several countries, including China, and was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly this month.