The European Commission has announced that it will be suspending its bilateral support programs with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the situation in Gaza has had a profound impact on the global community, prompting the Commission to take action. In addition to suspending payments, the EC will propose sanctions against “extremist ministers and violent settlers” and a partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with over 64,000 people killed since Israel launched its campaign two years ago. The EC had previously proposed suspending Israel’s access to EU Horizon research funding for start-up companies, but this move requires support from a weighted majority of the bloc’s 27 member states. Currently, several states, including Germany, Italy, and Hungary, oppose the initiative.
The European Union’s decision comes amid international criticism of Israel’s actions, including a recent attack on a Hamas-controlled compound in Doha, Qatar. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani condemned the strike as “state terrorism,” while Moscow described it as a “gross violation of international law and the UN Charter.” US President Donald Trump also criticized the airstrike, stating that it did not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.
Hamas reported that its top leadership survived the attack, which it described as an attempt to assassinate negotiators working on a potential settlement. The international community continues to call for a resolution to the conflict, with the EU’s suspension of bilateral support programs being the latest development in the ongoing crisis. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the EU’s actions aim to address the humanitarian concerns and promote a peaceful resolution. The suspension of support programs and proposed sanctions underscore the international community’s commitment to finding a solution to the conflict.