Strasbourg, France, Sep 10 (AP) - On Wednesday, a significant shift occurred in European Union policy when Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president and a known ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced intentions to impose sanctions and partially suspend trade with Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The European Union's 27 member states are split on their stance on Israel and the Palestinians, making it uncertain whether the proposed sanctions and trade measures will receive majority approval.
Von der Leyen also unveiled plans for a "Palestine donor group" scheduled for next month, which aims to focus on Gaza's reconstruction. She emphasized the dire situation in Gaza and the immense suffering of children and families, describing it as an issue that has "shaken the conscience of the world." According to Gaza's Health Ministry, since international experts declared famine in Gaza City on August 22, 126 Palestinians, including 26 children, have died from malnutrition-related causes. This contributes to a total of 404 deaths, including 141 children, since the conflict began nearly two years ago.
“Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity. This must stop,” Von der Leyen stated to applause in the European Parliament session held in Strasbourg.
Following the announcement, Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, expressed in a social media post that Von der Leyen’s decision was a result of succumbing to pressures that jeopardize Israel-Europe relations, suggesting her actions could embolden Hamas.
On Tuesday, Israel issued an evacuation warning to Gaza City residents, anticipating military action to reclaim what is considered Hamas’ remaining stronghold amidst severe famine conditions affecting hundreds of thousands.
Approximately half of Gaza’s population, about 1 million Palestinians, reside in the northern region around Gaza City. Many are weary from repeated displacements and uncertain if moving southward ensures safety.
The complete evacuation warning of Gaza City came before an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar – an area where negotiation efforts to conclude the war remain stalled. The strike, onto a US ally territory, provoked widespread condemnation from the Middle East and other regions, complicating negotiations to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Hamas claimed its leadership survived this strike.
Moreover, Von der Leyen disclosed plans to suspend European Union executive branch support to Israel, an action that does not necessitate the 27 member country’s approval.
Details regarding the amount or purpose of the European Commission's financial support to Israel remain unclear.
“We will put our bilateral support to Israel on hold. We will stop all payments in these areas, without affecting our work with Israeli civil society or Yad Vashem,” the Holocaust memorial, von der Leyen asserted to EU legislators.
The commission also extends support to the Palestinian Authority.
As the Gaza war approaches its second anniversary, it reflects on hostile acts from October 7, 2023, where Hamas militants abducted 251 individuals, resulting in about 1,200 mostly civilian casualties in Israel. Around 48 hostages are still detained in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
During Israel's retaliatory strikes, the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 64,600 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, a figure supported by the UN and other international entities as credible casualty statistics.
Over the past 24 hours, 41 bodies from Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals with an additional 184 injured, as stated in the ministry's daily briefing. Furthermore, 12 individuals seeking humanitarian aid were killed within the same period.
Major urban sections of Gaza face complete destruction, displacing nearly 90% of the 2 million population.
The Israeli military recently targeted a Gaza City high-rise, allegedly used by Hamas for Israeli troop surveillance, although the claim remains unverified by The Associated Press.
This attack followed the military spokesperson Avichay Adraee’s directive to Gaza City’s western residents to evacuate. Israel reiterated demands for city-wide evacuation, cautioning heavy military incursions, yet many remain due to fatigue from multiple displacements and uncertainty regarding safe shelters in the region. (AP) RD RD
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