EU presents trade-related measures against Israel and plans initiatives involving ministers concerning Gaza affairs
The European Union (EU) has stepped up its demands for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, with EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen pushing for the release of hostages held by Hamas and insisting on unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.
The EU's firm stance comes in response to Israel's major ground assault on Gaza City, which has drawn international criticism. The war was sparked by attacks from the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023.
According to reports, Israel's retaliatory campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 64,964 people, mostly civilians, as per figures from Gaza's health ministry. The AFP reported 1,219 deaths in Israel due to the conflict, with most being civilians.
The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has stated that the aim of these actions is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The European Commission is pushing to suspend parts of a cooperation deal with Israel that allow for reduced tariffs on goods, a move that would significantly impact Israel's exports to the EU.
However, opposition from states including Germany, Italy, and Greece means the European Union will struggle to get the backing of enough EU countries to go through with these measures. As of the recent proposals by the EU Commission for strict sanctions against Israel, a majority of EU member states have not yet given their consent, and no unanimous approval has been reached.
The commission also called for asset freezes and visa bans on Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over their 'extremist' rhetoric. Additionally, the European Commission has the power to freeze bilateral support, but this step will not include funds going to help civil society groups and Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
Pressure has mounted on the European Union to act against Israel over its offensive in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated that any action against Israel will receive an appropriate response. However, Irish foreign minister Simon Harris stated that today marks a critical turning point in holding Israel accountable.
The European Union's executive plans to freeze 20 million euros in support for Israel. This suspension would affect more than a third of Israel's exports to the EU, worth around six billion euros, including agricultural produce such as dates and nuts.
As the conflict continues, about 40 percent of residents have fled Gaza City due to the Israeli military's push deeper into the territory's largest urban hub. The Israeli military estimates there are 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants in central Gaza City.
The UN probe has accused Israel of committing genocide and inciting the crime, adding to the international pressure on Israel to cease its offensive in Gaza. The European Union's actions, while not yet unanimously approved, represent a significant step towards holding Israel accountable for its actions in the ongoing conflict.
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