• EU chief Ursula von der Leyen proposes sanctions against Israeli "extremist ministers" and suspension of bilateral trade.
• Measures come amid growing humanitarian concerns over the situation in Gaza, termed "catastrophic" by von der Leyen.
• Sanctions would require unanimous approval from EU member states, which are currently divided on the issue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on September 10 her plans to propose sanctions targeting "extremist" Israeli ministers and to suspend trade relations with Israel in response to the ongoing military operations in Gaza. During her address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen declared, "Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war" and stressed that the situation in Gaza has "shaken the conscience of the world," urging immediate action to alleviate humanitarian suffering, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

Von der Leyen's proposed measures include halting EU support directed to Israel, while maintaining assistance to civil society groups and Holocaust memorial institutions. This would amount to a significant suspension of aid valued at approximately $37 million, reflecting the EU's critical shift amid ongoing protests across Europe regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, according to Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.

While the sanctions aim to signal a strong stance against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, their implementation hinges on the approval of all 27 EU member states, which are currently divided on the issue. Some countries, such as Spain and Ireland, support the sanctions, while others, including Germany and Hungary, oppose any such measures. Von der Leyen acknowledged the complexities of achieving consensus among member states, stating, "I know that any action will be too much for some. Too little for others," as reported by Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

Israeli officials criticized von der Leyen's plans, suggesting that her comments could embolden Palestinian militant groups. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar remarked that the EU chief should recognize Israel's humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing conflict, which he attributed primarily to Hamas's actions. Despite this, von der Leyen firmly stated the EU's goal remains focused on achieving "real security for Israel and a safe, present future for all Palestinians," highlighting an ongoing commitment to address both security and humanitarian needs in the region, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.