EU Commission to propose new Israel sanctions on Wednesday

The European Commission is to propose additional sanctions on Israel over its actions in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, a spokeswoman announced.

The measures are to include the suspension of certain trade benefits that are part of an agreement between the European Union and Israel, she told journalists in Brussels on Tuesday.

Whether the proposal will receive the required support by EU member states is unclear. A previous proposal to suspend research funding has so far failed to receive sufficient backing. Germany is opposed to the move.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had foreshadowed the plans last week, admitting that she was aware that it would be difficult to find a majority in favour as the EU is deeply divided on how to respond to Israel’s human rights violations in Gaza.

The additional measures are also expected to include a halt to payments from an EU fund for international cooperation.

The announcement came as the Israeli military has launched its long-awaited ground offensive in Gaza City.

“The EU has consistently urgent Israel not to intensify its operation in Gaza City. A military intervention will lead to more more destruction, more death, and more displacement,” said a spokesman for EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas.

“We have been clear that this will also aggravate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and also endangers the lives of hostages. It is high time to break the cycle of violence, of destruction, and of suffering, and this must end now,” he said.