Brussels – Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has defended the comprehensive sanctions proposed by her institution this week in response to Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip, reports 24brussels.
In a written interview with the Leading European Newspaper Alliance, von der Leyen acknowledged the devastating impact of the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, stating that they have fundamentally shaken the nation.
“But the latest developments are particularly worrying, with a man-made famine and the financial drying up of the Palestinian Authority,”
she remarked in comments released on Sunday.
Why does Von der Leyen stress the two-state solution?
von der Leyen emphasized that the two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel, remains the only viable path to sustainable peace in the region.
“What we have seen from the Israeli government in recent months is a clear attempt to undermine the two-state solution.”
This position led the European Commission to propose a series of targeted measures aimed at fostering a way forward, von der Leyen explained.
Why is the EU considering sanctions against Israel?
The European Commission has outlined several punitive actions designed to persuade Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to alter its course amid ongoing conflict. In her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” hinting at a reduction in support for Israel and the introduction of sanctions.
The proposed measures include sanctions targeting “extremist Israeli ministers” and settlers, a halt to bilateral support for Israel, and a temporary suspension of the EU’s association agreement with Israel, which currently grants it preferential access to European markets.
“Europe needs to do more,”
von der Leyen asserted, adding that while she aims to unify the bloc’s response, EU member states must also assume “our own responsibility” regarding the issue.
“Europe’s goal has always been the same. Real security for Israel and a safe, present future for all Palestinians,”
she stated.
How has Israel reacted to the EU’s proposed sanctions?
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar swiftly criticized von der Leyen’s statements, claiming they supported Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas.
“The remarks made this morning by the President of the European Commission are regrettable. Some of them also echo the false propaganda of Hamas and its partners,”
Saar stated via social media.
“Once again, Europe is sending the wrong message, which strengthens Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East.”