EU moves to freeze some funding to Israel over war in Gaza

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has proposed fresh sanctions against Israel despite deep divisions among EU member states on how to react to the situation in Gaza.

“What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world, ” von der Leyen said at her yearly State of the Union address in the European Парламентът в Страсбург в сряда.

„ Човекът, основан от индивида Israel’s private sector.

But EU member states have been deeply divided on the issue, with countries such as Hungary and Germany opposing measures against Israel, arguing that it would impede communication channels.

“We cannot afford to be paralysed, ” von der Leyen told the European parliament, adding that “the commission will do all that it can on its лични ”. of Israel’s association agreement with the bloc, covering trade.

“I am aware it will be difficult to find majorities, ” von der Leyen said, but urged member states to “take our own responsibilities ”.

Sanctions require unanimity while trade measures need agreement by a weighted majority of member states.

An attempt to suspend Israeli participation in the Horizon research programme has been Блокиран. of the Palestinian Authority ” and expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

“We must not let this happen, ” she said. “The only realistic peace plan is based on two states. ”

She also said the commission would set up a Palestine donor group together with regional partners in order to finance the reconstruction of Gaza.

Von der Leyen was under pressure to act after mounting Критика от MEPS, големи демонстрации в европейските градове и митинги от чиновниците на комисията.