The European Union on Wednesday announced its strongest measures so far to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza, as Israeli forces pushed deeper into the enclave and Palestinians fled in large numbers.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposed raising tariffs on selected Israeli goods and imposing sanctions on 10 Hamas leaders, several Israeli settlers, and two cabinet members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“The aim is not to punish Israel, but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Kallas said. The sanctions would freeze assets held in Europe and ban travel within the EU.
The bloc also plans to suspend €32 million ($37.5 million) in bilateral funds managed by the European Commission, while continuing support for the Palestinian Authority. As Israel’s largest trading partner, the EU’s measures could deliver a significant economic blow at a time when Israel is already grappling with the financial strain of nearly two years of war.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has left nearly 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials. Israel denies claims of starvation in Gaza and insists it permits sufficient humanitarian aid.
While the EU has been deeply divided over the war, public pressure has mounted with protests erupting across European cities, criticizing Brussels for failing to hold Israel accountable. “We regret having to take this step, but we believe it is both appropriate and proportionate given the ongoing humanitarian crisis,” said EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
It remains uncertain whether all 27 EU member states will endorse the proposed sanctions and trade measures.
