EU Proposes Sanctions & Aid Shift in response to Gaza Crisis
In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced proposed sanctions against Israel related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, alongside a shift in EU aid strategy. The measures include potential commercial issues and individual sanctions targeting what she termed “extremist ministers” within the Israeli government and “violent settlers” in the West Bank.
Von der Leyen acknowledged the difficulty in securing majority support for these measures, appealing to Member States to act decisively. “We cannot afford to be paralyzed. We must all assume our responsibilities: Parliament, the Council and the Commission,” she stated, responding to months of criticism regarding the EU’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Describing the situation in Gaza as “simply catastrophic” and Israeli government actions as “simply unacceptable,” Von der leyen emphasized the need for an end to the use of hunger as a weapon of war, particularly impacting children. She noted a silent demonstration within the Parliament, with half of MEPs wearing red to symbolize solidarity with the Gazan population.
The commission President called for “unrestricted access to all humanitarian aid” for Gaza, an ”immediate ceasefire,” and the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas for over 700 days.
Von der Leyen addressed criticism of her previous silence regarding the destruction in gaza, accusations of a double standard in applying international law compared to the situation in Ukraine, and sought to demonstrate her concern.She acknowledged public frustration with the EU’s inability to reach a unified response, stating, “I know that for them Europe’s inability to agree on a common path… is also painful. I understand them.” She further advocated for a shift towards qualified majority voting in foreign policy,a proposal that has met resistance from smaller member states.
beyond the proposed sanctions requiring unanimous Council approval, the Commission will temporarily suspend bilateral support to Israel, excluding funding for civil society organizations and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center. A new donor group, in collaboration with regional partners, will be established to fund a specific instrument dedicated to the reconstruction of gaza.
While reaffirming her long-standing friendship with the people of Israel, Von der Leyen criticized the behavior and statements of certain Israeli government members, alleging a deliberate attempt to undermine the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. She reiterated the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution, ensuring “real security for Israel and a future for all Palestinians,” and emphasized that this remains the “only realistic peace plan.”
