EU Chief Pledges Action Against Israel's Gaza War
STRASBOURG, France - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to take decisive action against Israel's military campaign in Gaza during her annual State of the Union address on Wednesday. The EU chief condemned the situation as "catastrophic" and announced plans to cut support for Israel and implement sanctions.
Von der Leyen stated, "Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity, this must stop." She emphasized that the proposed package of measures includes sanctions on key sectors such as defense and technology.
The EU chief's remarks came as the international community continues to express concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine, with millions of Palestinians facing food shortages and displacement. Von der Leyen urged EU member states to rally behind the measures, acknowledging that some may be hesitant due to historical ties or strategic interests.
The proposed sanctions are part of a broader effort to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been ongoing for decades. The EU has long been a key player in Middle East peace negotiations, and von der Leyen's comments reflect growing frustration with Israel's actions.
In addition to measures against Israel, von der Leyen announced plans to further raise support for Ukraine, which has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia since 2014. The EU chief emphasized the need for unity among member states on both issues, saying, "We must stand together and show our commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights."
The State of the Union address is an annual event where von der Leyen outlines her vision for the EU's future. This year's speech was notable for its strong condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and the proposed measures to address the humanitarian crisis.
Background on the conflict in Gaza is complex, with both sides claiming historical rights to the territory. The Israeli military campaign has been criticized by human rights groups, who say it disproportionately targets civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian situation.
The international community has been divided on how to respond to the crisis, with some countries calling for greater action against Israel while others have urged caution. Von der Leyen's comments reflect a growing consensus among EU member states that something must be done to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the EU moves forward with its proposed measures, it remains to be seen whether they will be effective in halting Israel's military campaign and alleviating the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The international community will be watching closely as this development unfolds.
Attribution:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
United Nations
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*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
