Washington (The COW News Digital )The European Union has indicated it may impose sanctions on Israel while simultaneously launching a new donor fund for Palestinian reconstruction efforts, in what analysts say is one of the bloc’s most decisive moves yet on the Middle East conflict.
Speaking before the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time to send a clear message to Israel that “continued violations of human rights and international law can no longer be tolerated.”
Von der Leyen revealed that the EU is preparing a set of measures that could be rolled out in the coming weeks. These include targeted sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and a partial suspension of bilateral trade agreements with Israel. “Europe cannot remain silent as civilian suffering escalates,” she said, stressing that the EU’s response would be proportionate but firm.
She clarified that while the EU would halt direct political support to the Israeli government, cooperation with Israeli civil society organizations and institutions like the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial would continue. This approach, she said, was intended to distinguish between Israel’s government and its people.
The announcement marks a major policy shift, as previous attempts to cut funding for Israeli research grants faced resistance from several EU member states. Analysts say the current political climate — including mounting international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza — has created a new sense of urgency within the bloc.
In a significant parallel move, von der Leyen announced the creation of a Palestinian donor group next month. The fund will focus on rebuilding war-torn Gaza and providing humanitarian aid to displaced families. EU officials say the initiative will also seek contributions from non-EU countries to maximize its impact.
“This is about giving hope to people who have lost everything,” von der Leyen told lawmakers, adding that a stable and rebuilt Gaza is essential for peace in the region.
Political experts argue that the EU’s announcement reflects a growing international consensus that pressure on Israel must be increased to push for a long-term resolution to the conflict. If implemented, these sanctions and funding efforts could significantly shift the balance of power in the Middle East peace process.
The Israeli government has not yet formally responded to the EU’s statements, but diplomatic tensions are expected to rise in the coming days.
