European Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over actions in Gaza
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Commission has proposed a series of measures to punish Israel for its military actions in the Gaza Strip and the resulting severe humanitarian situation, according to the press service of the European Commission.
The Commission presented to the EU Council a proposal to suspend certain trade provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The Commission also intends to suspend direct support for various Israeli projects, with the exception of support for civil society initiatives and Yad Vashem.
These proposals followed a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Agreement, which found that actions taken by the Israeli government represent violations of essential elements concerning respect for human rights and democratic principles. This gives the EU the right to suspend parts of the Agreement unilaterally.
Specifically, the violations relate to the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza following Israel’s military intervention, the blockade of humanitarian aid, the escalation of military operations, and the Israeli government’s decision to advance a construction plan in the West Bank.
The suspension affects key trade provisions of the Agreement, which in practice means that imports from Israel would lose preferential access to the EU market. Consequently, tariffs would apply at the same level as those for any other third country with which the EU does not have a free trade agreement.
The Commission’s proposal must next be approved by the EU Council by a qualified majority.
In addition, the European Commission is proposing sanctions against two Israeli ministers (National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich), extremist Israeli settlers, and ten members of the Hamas political bureau. This decision would require unanimous approval by the EU Council.
European Commission suspends financial support for Israel
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the Commission is suspending financial support to Israel, with all payments to the country frozen.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this decision is a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the use of a "man-made famine" as a weapon of war.
She noted that the suspension of financial support will 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.
Implementing these measures requires the support of a majority of EU member states. Discussions are ongoing, and a final decision has not yet been made.
