European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to push for sanctions against “extremist” Israeli ministers and reduce trade ties with Israel due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Addressing the European Parliament, von der Leyen expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the images of people killed while begging for food and mothers holding lifeless babies are “catastrophic.”

The EU Commission, led by von der Leyen, will put its bilateral support to Israel on hold, stopping all payments, except for work with civil society groups and Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. The commission will also propose sanctions on “extremist ministers” and “violent settlers” whose actions and words “incite violence.” Additionally, the EU will push for a partial suspension of its association agreement with Israel on trade-related matters.

The conflict in Gaza, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 1,200 Israelis, according to UN and Israeli figures. The United Nations has declared famine in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face “catastrophic” conditions.

Von der Leyen acknowledged that finding consensus among the EU’s 27 member states will be challenging, but emphasized the need for action. The proposed measures will require approval from the member states, which have been deeply divided on how to respond to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The EU’s response to the crisis in Gaza is significant, as it reflects the international community’s growing concern over the humanitarian situation. The next steps will depend on the EU member states’ approval of the proposed sanctions and trade restrictions. The situation in Gaza remains a pressing issue, with the international community calling for an end to the violence and a resolution to the crisis.