EU's proposed sanctions against Israel remain on hold, amid a dire warning about a looming famine crisis
EU Considering Scientific and Research Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza Crisis
The European Union (EU) is currently deliberating on imposing sanctions against Israel, primarily focusing on scientific and research-related measures, in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and alleged human rights violations in Gaza. This decision comes after a review found that Israeli actions in Gaza may breach the deal that governs EU-Israel trade and ties.
The proposed sanctions include partially suspending Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research program and barring Israeli startups from accessing part of this EU research funding. However, concrete actions have yet to be implemented due to resistance from key EU member states, notably Germany.
Germany, with its historic responsibility towards Israeli security due to its Nazi past and the Holocaust, has taken a cautious but critical stance. The country has blocked or stalled proposals for scientific sanctions against Israel and halted military exports to Israel for use in Gaza. Germany also joined a joint EU statement calling for restraint and humanitarian access, emphasizing international law and a negotiated two-state solution.
On the other hand, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have advocated for stronger sanctions and restrictions. Spain has gone so far as to call for the suspension of the entire EU-Israel pact. Other EU members, such as the Netherlands and Sweden, want to freeze the trade element of the deal.
EU foreign ministers have condemned Israel's ongoing military operations and humanitarian restrictions in Gaza and called for an immediate, unimpeded humanitarian aid flow and an immediate ceasefire based on international law and a two-state solution framework. Humanitarian organizations and EU officials have highlighted the worsening famine in Gaza, pressing Israel to allow passage of aid without obstruction.
The schism among EU members now centers on whether and how to respond to the EU review of Israeli actions in Gaza. The European Commission proposed a plan to impose penalties on Israel two weeks ago, but without Berlin's backing, the plan is unlikely to advance. Chancellor Merz announced last week that Germany would halt exports of arms "that can be used in the Gaza Strip" by Israeli forces.
The EU's executive warned that humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels, with famine unfolding. EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages by Hamas & Islamic Jihad and for an effective delivery of humanitarian aid at scale.
The situation remains fluid as humanitarian conditions worsen and EU member states prepare to revisit these measures after the summer break. The EU's response to the crisis in Gaza continues to be a topic of intense debate and negotiation among its member states.
- The European Union is contemplating imposing sanctions on Israel in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, primarily in the areas of scientific research and policy-and-legislation.
- Germany, despite its historic responsibility, has opposed certain proposed sanctions, such as suspending Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research program, displaying a cautious but critical stance.
- In contrast, countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have advocated for stronger sanctions, with Spain even suggesting the suspension of the entire EU-Israel pact.
- The situation is evolving as humanitarian conditions worsen, and the EU continues to debate and negotiate the appropriate response to Israel's actions in Gaza, especially focusing on human rights and general-news coverage of the conflict.
