The European Commission on Wednesday proposed sanctions to suspend free-trade arrangements on Israeli goods in response to the war in Gaza, though the measure currently lacks sufficient backing among European Union member states to take effect.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also unveiled a package of targeted sanctions aimed at two Israeli ministers, violent settlers in the occupied West Bank, and members of Hamas.
The proposals reflect growing concern in Brussels over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with EU officials citing breaches of human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
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Diplomats said member countries are divided on the measures, with some, including Germany, calling for further analysis before supporting any action that could mark the bloc’s strongest punitive step against Israel in decades.
The Commission’s move comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as the EU faces mounting pressure from lawmakers and rights groups to respond more forcefully to the conflict.
The proposals will now be discussed by the EU’s 27 governments, which must unanimously agree for the sanctions and trade suspension to be implemented.
