European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday she would pursue sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel over the Gaza war, signaling a significant shift from her previous stance.
The 27-nation EU is deeply divided in its approach to Israel and the Palestinians and it's unclear whether a majority will be found to endorse the sanctions and trade measures.
Von der Leyen added that the commission "will set up a Palestine donor group next month," part of which will focus on Gaza's future reconstruction. She said the events in Gaza and the suffering of children and families "has shaken the conscience of the world."
The Gaza Health Ministry says 126 Palestinians, including 26 children, have died of causes related to malnutrition since international experts announced famine in Gaza City on Aug. 22. They are part of the total number of 404 people, including 141 children, who have died of causes related to malnutrition since the war 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 said Wednesday, to applause in the European Parliament at its meeting in Strasbourg, France.
