European Commission President Calls for Sanctions Against Israel
Strasbourg, France (AP) — On Wednesday, the president of the European Commission announced intentions to advocate for sanctions and partial trade restrictions against Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The 27 member states of the EU are currently experiencing significant disagreement over their stance on Israel and the Palestinians, raising questions about how many nations might actually support these proposed sanctions and trade actions.
Von der Leyen mentioned the establishment of the Palestinian Roar Group, scheduled for next month, which will address future reconstruction efforts in Gaza. She emphasized that the impact of events in Gaza, especially on children and families, is profoundly “shaking the conscience of the world.”
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 126 Palestinians, including 26 children, have died from malnutrition-related causes since experts declared a hunger crisis in Gaza on August 22.
“Artificial hunger can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of children, for humanity’s sake, this must stop,” von der Leyen remarked at the European Parliament conference held in Strasbourg.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saa reacted on social media, accusing von der Leyen of yielding to pressures that threaten Israeli-European relations, claiming her actions would ultimately empower Hamas.
Her statements come as plans were reportedly advanced to target what Israel views as Hamas’ main stronghold, despite ongoing military warnings, which have left many in a state of uncertainty and hunger.
According to the Israeli military and the United Nations, about one million Palestinians—roughly half of Gaza’s population—are currently in the northern region around Gaza City. Many are growing weary from multiple displacements and are unsure if moving south is indeed any safer.
This warning originally called for full evacuation but was followed by an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from numerous countries in the Middle East and beyond, escalating tensions in the area and complicating ongoing international efforts to negotiate for the hostages that Hamas continues to hold in Gaza.
Hamas has claimed that its senior leader survived the Israeli strike.
Von der Leyen also indicated plans to suspend financial aid to Israel that is managed by the European Commission without needing endorsement from the 27 member states.
However, the exact amount of financial support involved and its intended use remain unclear.
“We will pause bilateral support for Israel, ceasing all payments in the regions, though this will not impact Israeli civil society or our work with Yad Vashem,” the Holocaust Memorial informed EU lawmakers.
Meanwhile, support for Palestinian authorities will also be part of this initiative.
The conflict escalated when Hamas militants attacked on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians. About 48 hostages are still held in Gaza, with indications that around 20 of them may still be alive.
Israeli retaliations have reportedly led to over 64,600 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. This ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but suggests that nearly half of the casualties were women and children. The UN and other organizations consider these statistics to be credible.
On Wednesday, the Health Ministry noted that 41 victims from the recent Israeli strikes were brought to hospitals within a 24-hour period, along with 184 others suffering injuries.
Overall, most major cities in Gaza have been devastated, with around 90% of the roughly 2 million Palestinians displaced due to ongoing hostilities.
