EU Leader Demands Sanctions on Israel Amid Global Condemnation of Strikes

EU Leader Calls for Sanctions Against Israel Amid International Outrage STRASBOURG, France - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel on Wednesday, citing the country's strikes on Qatar and Yemen and its ongoing starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Von der Leyen made the proposal during her annual State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. "What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world," she said. "People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic." The proposed sanctions signal a possible shift in the West's relationship with its decades-long ally Israel. Von der Leyen emphasized that the commission, which operates as the executive branch of the EU, would work closely with member states to implement the measures. "We cannot and will not remain silent in the face of such atrocities," von der Leyen said. "The international community must take action to hold those responsible accountable." The move comes amid growing international outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza, where thousands have been killed or injured since the conflict began last year. The EU has previously expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza but had not taken concrete steps to address it. In a statement, an Israeli government spokesperson said that the country would not be swayed by "empty threats" and that its actions were necessary for national security. The proposal also reflects the growing influence of progressive voices within the US, who have been pushing for an end to arms sales to Israel. In recent months, several Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restricting military aid to the country. The EU's move is seen as a significant development in the global response to the conflict in Gaza. The international community has long been divided on how to address the situation, with some countries calling for greater pressure on Israel and others advocating for a more nuanced approach. As the situation continues to unfold, the EU will work closely with member states and other international partners to implement the proposed sanctions. The commission has also announced plans to provide additional humanitarian aid to Gaza. In related news, the United Nations has called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to address the crisis in Gaza. The meeting is expected to take place later this week. Background: The conflict in Gaza began last year, with Israel launching a military operation aimed at targeting Hamas militants. Since then, thousands have been killed or injured, and many more have been displaced. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with widespread shortages of food, water, and medicine. Context: The EU's proposal for sanctions against Israel reflects the growing international concern over the country's actions in Gaza. The move is seen as a significant development in the global response to the conflict. Additional Perspectives: "This is a long-overdue step," said Dr. Ahmed Tibi, a Palestinian politician and member of the Israeli Knesset. "The EU must take concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its actions." "We welcome the EU's decision to impose sanctions on Israel," said a spokesperson for the US-based advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace. "This is an important step towards holding Israel accountable for its human rights abuses." Current Status and Next Developments: The EU will work closely with member states and other international partners to implement the proposed sanctions. The commission has also announced plans to provide additional humanitarian aid to Gaza. In related news, the United Nations has called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to address the crisis in Gaza. The meeting is expected to take place later this week. *Reporting by Theintercept.*