• The European Commission has proposed suspending trade benefits for Israeli goods due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
• Sanctions target extremist Israeli ministers, violent settlers, and senior Hamas leaders.
• The proposals face opposition from key EU member states, making their adoption uncertain.

The European Commission has announced its strongest measures yet against Israel, proposing the suspension of trade benefits and targeted sanctions in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These proposals, announced on September 17, include sanctions on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as well as restrictions on violent Israeli settlers and ten Hamas leaders. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that the goal of these measures is "not to punish Israel" but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has seen immense suffering due to escalating military actions. This information is reported by Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Le Monde.

The proposed suspension would affect approximately €6 billion of Israeli exports, imposing tariffs on goods that currently enter the EU tariff-free under the Association Agreement. This move reflects a significant shift in the EU's stance as member states are increasingly pressured by public opinion and humanitarian groups to respond to the situation in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths due to military actions since the conflict escalated in October 2023. These details were reported by IndiaTimes and Middle East Eye.

Despite the urgency expressed by EU officials, the proposals face significant opposition from key members such as Germany and Italy, which have historically maintained strong ties with Israel. The adoption of these measures hinges on securing a qualified majority of member states, a challenge given the divided opinions within the EU. Criticism from Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, has emphasized that sanctions against Israel are counterproductive. Reports from TRT World and Africanews acknowledge that the measures, while intended to pressure the Israeli government, are also an indication of changing public sentiment within EU nations.

In conjunction with sanctions, the Commission also planned to freeze around €32 million in bilateral support for Israel, while maintaining assistance for civil society organizations and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid during her announcement. Kallas pointed out that any reluctance from member states to support these measures could hinder the EU's ability to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis, as mentioned by Anadolu Agency and Le Monde.