Rabat – The European Commission put forth today a proposal to sanction Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza, with the move seeking to increase tariffs on some Israeli products and suspend other trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel.
According to Al Jazeera, the proposal, including sanctions, might fall short as they don’t have enough support from all members of the EU.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged members of the continental bloc to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers, as well as two far-right members of Netanyahu’s government, and Hamas leaders.
“The proposals follow a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Agreement, which found that actions taken by the Israeli government represent a breach of essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles,” the commission said, adding that this “entitles the EU to suspend the Agreement unilaterally.”
The commission cited the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza amid Israel’s relentless campaign, as well as the blockade of humanitarian aid and the ensuing starvation as the basis of its decision.
It recalled Israel’s plans to advance its settlement project in the occupied West Bank, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the situation in Gaza as “horrific” and urged for immediate action to end the genocidal war.
“There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas,” she said.
The commission president emphasized the importance of suspending trade concessions with Israel and sanctioning extremist ministers and violent settlers as a response to Israel’s acts. The proposal also aims to put “bilateral support to Israel on hold “without affecting work with Israeli civil society.
