The European Commission has announced that it will suspend its bilateral support programmes with Israel because of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the situation in Gaza has had a profound impact on the global community, prompting the Commission to act. In addition to halting 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 Gaza conflict has created serious humanitarian concerns, with more than 64,000 people killed since Israel launched its campaign two years ago. The EC had previously suggested suspending Israel’s access to EU Horizon research funding for start‑up companies, but that measure requires the support of 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 growing 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 called it a “gross violation of international law and the UN Charter.” US President Donald Trump also criticized the airstrike, saying it did not advance Israel’s or America’s goals. Hamas reported that its top leadership survived the attack, describing it as an attempt to assassinate negotiators working on a potential settlement.
The international community continues to call for a resolution to the conflict, and the EU’s suspension of bilateral support programmes is the latest development in the ongoing crisis. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the EU’s actions aim to address humanitarian concerns and promote a peaceful resolution. The suspension of support programmes and the proposed sanctions underscore the international community’s commitment to finding a solution to the conflict.
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