Brussels, SANA-The European Commission has announced new measures against the Israeli occupation entity, including the suspension of bilateral support, the halting of trade privileges, and the imposition of sanctions on ministers and settlers involved in acts of violence, in response to ongoing violations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The measures include suspending provisions of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, depriving Israel of trade privileges in the European market and freezing annual allocations between 2025 and 2027, while exempting civil society organizations.
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, affirmed the Commission’s authority to adopt these measures, while EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, described the step as a “strong message,” noting that 37% of bilateral trade last year benefited from customs exemptions.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stressed that the blocking of aid deliveries and developments on the ground had pushed the EU to take a firm stance, confirming the Union’s continued support for the Palestinians and the two-state solution.
The decision came after a legal review concluded that Israel had violated Article 2 of the agreement, which allows its suspension or legal restriction.
In contrast, Israeli officials warned that these measures could lead to international isolation if fully adopted by member states.
Nawal/ Manar Salameh
