The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has proposed trade sanctions targeting Israel and several far-right Israeli ministers in response to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Speaking on the issue, Kallas clarified that the move was not intended as a punishment against Israel, but rather to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. “I want to be very clear: our goal is not to punish Israel. Our goal is to ease the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. This war must end, the suffering must stop, and all hostages should be released,” she stated.

Despite the proposal, doubts remain over whether all 27 EU member states will reach a consensus on the measure. Critics have also argued that the EU has not applied sufficient pressure on Israel to halt its military offensive.

A German government spokesperson confirmed that Berlin had been informed of the discussion but said no final decision had been made. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced last week that the EU would suspend financial assistance to Israel.

Israel swiftly rejected the move. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the EU’s decision as “disproportionate” and “unprecedented,” signaling Tel Aviv’s strong opposition to any punitive steps from Brussels.

On the ground, the situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Israeli forces on Tuesday launched a large-scale ground operation in Gaza City, the largest urban center of the enclave. Within 24 hours, at least 78 Palestinians were reported killed in the assault.

The humanitarian toll has been staggering since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. According to Palestinian sources, nearly 20,000 children have lost their lives in Israeli attacks. Overall, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, while over 165,000 have been injured in the conflict.

The escalating violence has intensified international calls for a ceasefire, though divisions remain within the EU and among other global actors over how to approach Israel and the crisis in Gaza.

(Source: Al Jazeera)