EU halts direct financial aid to Israel
In the heart of the Middle East, the Gaza Strip continues to face an ongoing Israeli offensive, with hospitals reportedly on the brink of collapse due to the bombing. This dire situation has sparked international concern, leading to various actions from global bodies and nations.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has caused a stir by publicly confirming the reconstruction project of the Gaza Strip, a topic of debate with the United States. Reports suggest that Smotrich has started negotiations with the Americans regarding the percentages on the land for the project. However, his suggestion of the reconstruction becoming a profitable investment has been met with criticism.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that the Israeli offensive in Gaza is forcing women to give birth in the street, without hospitals, doctors, or clean water. This stark reality underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for an end to the inhuman conditions in Gaza, joining a chorus of voices urging for peace. The European Union, too, has taken action, suspending bilateral aid to the Israeli government and withholding fourteen million euros in already allocated funds.
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has presented a package of sanctions against Hamas terrorists, extremist Israeli ministers, violent settlers, and entities that support impunity in the West Bank. The sanctions aim not to punish Israel, but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
On the political front, Hamas's spokesperson has made statements to the Al Jazeera network for the first time since the Israeli attack in Qatar. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Razi Hamed has challenged US President Donald Trump to order Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a prisoner exchange agreement and stop the war to free hostages.
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on the Palestinian population. The Palestinian death toll from continuous Israeli army attacks in Gaza is currently 83, up from 99 the previous day.
As the situation in Gaza remains critical, all member states of the European Union have declared it unsustainable. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has introduced a series of sanctions against Hamas terrorists, extremist Israeli ministers, violent settlers, and companies supporting impunity in the West Bank. These sanctions were proposed and began to be introduced in September 2025.
In the midst of this turmoil, it is crucial to remember the human cost of the conflict. The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza continues to put innocent lives at risk, and it is hoped that diplomatic efforts will lead to a peaceful resolution soon.
On a separate note, President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, September 29. The implications of this meeting for the future of the conflict remain to be seen.
In the face of this complex and evolving situation, it is essential that all parties involved prioritise the well-being of the people of Gaza and work towards a peaceful and lasting solution.
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