EU Commission Suspends Payments, Seeks Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza Conflict

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a package of measures against Israel in response to the ongoing Gaza conflict, including suspending all bilateral payments, partially suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and sanctioning extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers. The European Union's 27 member states remain deeply divided on endorsing these sanctions, making consensus uncertain. Von der Leyen emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the use of man-made famine as a weapon of war and calling for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. She also announced the creation of a Palestine donor group to focus on Gaza's reconstruction, aiming to coordinate international and regional efforts. These actions come amid escalating violence following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel's retaliatory offensive, which has resulted in significant casualties, widespread displacement, and urban destruction in Gaza. The EU aims to lead in addressing the crisis while maintaining support for Israeli civil society and Holocaust memorial efforts.