The European Union unveiled its strongest plan yet on Wednesday to pressure Israel to end the Gaza war, as Palestinians fled advancing Israeli tanks, drones, and troops in the coastal enclave devastated by 23 months of conflict, according to The Associated Press.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged the 27-member bloc to increase tariffs on certain Israeli goods and impose sanctions on 10 Hamas leaders, Israeli settlers, and two ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“These measures are not meant to punish Israel or its people, but to pressure the Israeli government to change course, end human suffering in Gaza, and release all hostages,” Kallas said. The sanctions would freeze the individuals’ European assets and ban their travel within the EU.
As Israel’s largest trading partner, the EU’s tariffs could significantly impact its economy, already strained by the prolonged conflict. About €32 million ($37.5 million) in EU funds would be immediately suspended, including support to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel denies claims of starvation in Gaza, saying it allows sufficient humanitarian aid. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar opposed the measures, insisting in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that sanctions would not work.
The EU remains divided over Israel, with unclear support for the sanctions and trade measures. Protests have erupted across Europe, criticising Brussels’ perceived inaction. Since Octover 7, 2023, Gaza’s health officials report nearly 65,000 Palestinian deaths.
If approved, the plan would apply tariffs worth about €230 million ($166 million) on 37% of Israeli goods imported to the EU. The move revokes zero-tariff preferences under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing Israel’s human rights violations. Arms exports to the EU would remain unaffected.
