EU Slaps Israel with New Package of Measures

(MENAFN) In a significant policy shift, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new package of measures targeting Israel, including a temporary halt on bilateral support and potential sanctions. Speaking during her State of the Union address, von der Leyen said the actions are in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The proposed measures would immediately suspend certain bilateral funding to Israel. "I will propose a package of measures to carve out a way forward. First, the Commission will do all that it can do on its own. We will put our bilateral support to Israel on hold. We will stop all payments in these areas without affecting our work with Israeli civil society," she stated.

Besides the halt on aid, von der Leyen promised to seek sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, as well as to partially suspend the trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

She also outlined steps to assist Palestinians, including the formation of a donor group. "We will set up a Palestine donor group next month, including a dedicated instrument for Gaza reconstruction. This will be an international effort with regional partners, and it will build on the momentum of the New York conference organized by France and Saudi Arabia," she said.

Von der Leyen reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. She emphasized that a two-state solution is the only viable path to lasting peace.

Reflecting on the impact of the conflict, she stated, "What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food, mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic ... Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war, for the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity, this must stop."

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