EU Mulls Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza, West Bank Actions

The European Union is contemplating measures to pressure Israel. This action comes after a review of the EU-Israel association agreement revealed potential breaches of human rights in Gaza and the West Bank, intensifying pressure on the nation.

Possible EU Action

The EU’s foreign policy chief, **Kaja Kallas**, stated that the EU might increase pressure on Israel. This follows discussions among the bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels. The ministers addressed the EU’s relationship with Israel following a report. The report from **Kallas**’s team noted that its ally had allegedly violated human rights obligations.

“The concrete question is what then we [the EU] are able to agree?

—Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Policy Chief

The EU is Israel’s largest trade partner, accounting for roughly a third of its exports. Spain has called for the agreement’s outright suspension, although other nations, such as Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden, want to act. Some EU members, including Germany, Greece, and Italy, oppose suspending the agreement. The EU-Israel trade relationship is valued at €68 billion (£58 billion) (European Commission, 2024).

Differing Perspectives

**Lisa Musiol** from the International Crisis Group said that the EU has “missed an important opportunity” to make the Israeli government accountable. France’s foreign minister, **Jean-Noël Barrot**, said that Israel had “clearly violated” article two of the EU-Israel agreement. Conversely, Italy’s foreign minister, **Antonio Tajani**, cited his country’s dialogue with Israel as a reason for hosting Palestinian refugees.

Over the weekend, Israel reacted angrily to the leaked review, labeling it “outrageous and indecent.” In a memo, it said the review was “a biased and extremely one-sided summary” of anti-Israeli voices. The EU report primarily relies on findings from UN bodies and the International Court of Justice.

As the EU deliberates, **Agnes Bertrand Sanz** of Oxfam said, “There are moments in history where delay and distraction are not neutral, it is a decision.” The EU’s decisions could reshape its relationship with Israel amid ongoing humanitarian concerns.