European Commission halts financial aid to Israel after IDF strike on Doha
Photo: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Commission is suspending financial support to Israel and freezing all payments to the country, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen stressed that the move was a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to the use of a "man-made famine" as a weapon of war. She noted that the suspension of financial aid would not affect cooperation with Israeli civil society or the Yad Vashem memorial.
In addition to financial measures, the European Commission announced sanctions against "extremist ministers" and "violent settlers" in Israel. The EU-Israel trade agreement will also be partially suspended.
Implementation of these measures requires the approval of a majority of EU member states. Discussions are ongoing, and a final decision has not yet been made.
Israel’s war with Hamas
On September 9, Israel’s defense forces and counterintelligence launched an airstrike on Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas leadership.
The IDF reported that those targeted were senior Hamas figures directly involved in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks and coordinating the ongoing war against Israel.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s strike on Hamas officials in Doha, calling it a threat to the safety of Qataris and residents.
On August 20, Israel’s Defense Ministry approved a military operation plan, Gideon's Chariots II, aimed at destroying Hamas by seizing Gaza City.
Recently, Israel has again intensified its operations against Hamas militants.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli airstrikes had hit 50 "terror towers" in Gaza within two days, adding that these attacks were only the beginning of a large-scale ground operation.
