EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed sanctions and partial trade suspension against Israel over the Gaza war, alongside plans for a donor group to aid reconstruction.
STRASBOURG, France — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday announced plans to pursue sanctions and a partial suspension of trade with Israel in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she said the commission would also establish a “Palestine donor group” next month to focus on reconstruction in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated under famine and mass displacement. “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 told lawmakers, drawing applause.
Her proposal comes as the 27-nation EU remains split on its stance toward Israel and the Palestinians, leaving uncertainty over whether a majority will endorse the measures.
The move follows fresh Israeli warnings for Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of planned military operations, and a strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar that has stalled ceasefire negotiations.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians since the October 7, 2023 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 abducted.
Around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced.