The European Commission has formally presented its proposal for sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and a partial suspension of the European Union’s association agreement with Israel, the EU’s executive body announced on Wednesday.
The sanctions, if approved, would strip Israeli imports of their preferential access to the EU. Israeli goods would have duties slapped on them at the same level as imports coming from countries with which the EU does not have a free trade agreement.
The Commission also called to suspend “bilateral support” to Israel, with the exceptions of civil society and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center.
The move marks a dramatic escalation of the EU’s response to Israel’s war in Gaza, as IDF forces drive into the heart of Gaza City.
“Actions taken by the Israeli government represent a breach of essential elements relating to respect for human rights and democratic principles,” a Commission review found. “This entitles the EU to suspend the Agreement unilaterally.”
“Specifically, this breach refers to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza following the military intervention of Israel, the blockade of humanitarian aid, the intensifying of military operations and the decision of the Israeli authorities to advance the settlement plan in the so-called E1 area of the West Bank, which further undermines the two-state solution.”
“The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop. There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages held by Hamas,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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