European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that she would propose a package of measures against Israel, including suspending bilateral support, suspending parts of the Association Agreement, and imposing sanctions on extremist ministers.
"I will propose a package of measures to pave the way forward. First, the Commission will do everything it can independently. We will halt bilateral support to Israel. We will stop all payments in this area without affecting cooperation with Israeli civil society," von der Leyen said in her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament.
He also promised to propose sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, as well as proposing a partial suspension of the Association Agreement in the trade aspect.
"We will establish a Palestinian donor group next month, including a dedicated instrument for Gaza reconstruction. This will be an international effort with regional partners, and will build on the momentum of the New York conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia," he said.
Von der Leyen also called for the release of hostages, full and unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and an immediate ceasefire. She emphasized that in the long term, the only realistic path to peace is a two-state solution with both sides living side by side in security.
"What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People are being killed while begging for food, mothers are holding lifeless babies.
