The European Union led by Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday announced it was proposing a package of punitive measures targeting Israel over its war in Gaza. Photo by President Ukraine Office/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The European Union is proposing a package of punitive measures against Israel for alleged breaches of human rights committed during its war against Hamas.
"We regret having to take this step," EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said Wednesday. "However, we believe it is both appropriate and proportionate given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza."
The package includes a suspension of core trade-related benefits on about 37% of Israeli exports, which will take effect 30 days after adoption. This will represent a significant blow to Israel as the EU accounted for 32% of its total trade of $50.3 billion in 2024.
It also calls for a freezing of bilateral support to Israel with the exception of support to civil society and Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust remembrance center.
