Ursula Von der Leyen, the Commission President of the European Union, made an announcement on Wednesday about a series of proposed strict actions that the EU plans to take against Israel. This decision comes amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. The EU’s plans aim to reprimand Israel for what they perceive as violations of human rights during its battle against Hamas. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic spoke on the matter, expressing the EU’s reluctance but emphasizing the necessity of their actions given the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The measures proposed by the European Union are comprehensive and target key aspects of Israel’s economy and diplomatic relationships. Part of the proposal suggests suspending selected trade benefits, approximately 37% of Israeli exports, a shift expected to be effective 30 days post-adoption. Given that nearly 32% of Israel’s total trade, amounting to $50.3 billion in 2024, depended on the EU, this suspension is likely to substantially impact Israel’s economy.
Further recommendations within the proposal include halting bilateral assistance to Israel, although provisions will continue to be provided to civil society organizations and Yad Vashem, the internationally recognized Holocaust remembrance center. Sanctions have also been planned, which aim to directly affect ten Hamas members along with nine Israeli extremists and ministers. These measures, however, require the consent of all 27 member states before any implementation can occur.
The European Union’s decision to propose these measures followed a review that allegedly identified discrepancies in Israel’s adherence to their bilateral trade agreement. Specifically, Article 2 of the agreement that mandates mutual respect for human rights and democratic principles, guiding both the internal and international policy, and considered an integral component of their agreement. According to the EU, evidence of a breach was discerned in the dramatic deterioration of Gaza’s humanitarian situation post Israel’s military response.
Apart from the worsening condition in Gaza, Israel’s breach was further evidenced by its blockade of much-needed humanitarian aid along with its escalating efforts towards expanding settlements within the West Bank, an area internationally recognized as being illegally occupied. This regrettable escalation has been monitored by various international bodies and has contributed significantly to the EU’s negative appraisal of Israel’s actions.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen had previously indicated the Union’s intent to retaliate against Israel for its counterproductive actions, impeding the prospect of a two-state solution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine feud. Her sentiment echoed the view held by countless international bodies and observers, expressing that the current state of affairs in Gaza was unacceptable.
Israel launched a full-scale war against Hamas in Gaza following a severe attack by the Iran-backed militia on Israel on October 7, 2023. The unfolding war has left Gaza in ruins, with an alarming man-made famine setting in. As per records by the Palestine Ministry of Health, the war has claimed the lives of over 65,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children.
Additionally, records report the death of more than 432 individuals, 146 of which were children, due to malnutrition. Despite gaining widespread support during the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attack, Israel’s global reputation has significantly deteriorated over time. This slide is attributed to the rising death toll, accumulating debris, mounting allegations of human rights violations, and the increased number of nations targeted by Israel.
In a recent development last week, Israel escalated regional tensions by launching an attack on Qatar, aiming to eliminate prominent Hamas leaders. Israel now effectively controls about 75% of the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, it initiated a widely criticized ground offensive to capture the last remaining quarter of Gaza City.
The proposal by the EU coincided with criticism from Human Rights Watch, which accused Israel of committing ‘a war crime’ in southern Syria, a location where it targeted its adversaries. A day before, the United Nations independent human rights commission had proclaimed Israel’s actions amounting to genocide.
Adding to the international critique, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Response from the Israeli side has been largely dismissive of these claims, with allegations that the criticisms echo propaganda by Hamas and unfairly brandish critics as anti-Semitic.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, issued a response on Wednesday, denouncing the recommendations made by President von der Leyen and her Commission colleagues. Labeling their recommendations as both morally and politically flawed, he expressed hope that they would not be approved, reflecting previous outcomes.
Gideon Sa’ar further proclaimed that retaliation against Israel could have adverse effects, jeopardizing European interests. He went on to assert that Israel would respond in kind if indeed the measures were enacted, emphasizing that they hope not to resort to such measures.
It remains to be seen how this formidable situation will unfold, as the EU awaits a consolidated decision from its member states. Similarly, the international community watches with intense interest, considering the potential global repercussion this regional conflict could have.
Despite the harsh criticisms and planned measures of the European Union, it is evident that the ultimate goal here is to restore peace and stability to the region. The path ahead may be steeped in controversy and tensions, but the necessity for peace overshadows all, for the sake of the citizens trapped in this devastating conflict.
The post EU Proposes Severe Sanctions against Israel Amid Gaza Crisis appeared first on Real News Now.
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