European Commission Chief Wants Sanction, Partial Retail of Trade with Israel

The European Union, which has 27 member states, is deeply divided over access to Israel and Palestinians, and it is not clear whether a necessary majority will be found to support sanctions and trade measures against Israel.

“What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world”, von der Leyen said in a speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Von der Leyen added that the commission “will establish a group of donors for Palestinians” next month, a part of which will focus on the upcoming reconstruction of Gaza.

The power caused by man can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of children, for the sake of humanity. This should stop”, she added, receiving applause in Parliament.

Its speech came a day after the Israeli army warned residents of Gaza City to evacuate before launching the wide offensive to take control of the city, which is said to be Hamas' last raid declared terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union.

Israel issued that warning Tuesday prior to an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, where negotiations on ending the war in Gaza seemed to be stuck.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas - led militants kidnapped 251 people on October 7, 2023 and killed about 1,200 others, mainly Israelite civilians.

48 hostages are being held in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Israel's revenge war has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has displaced nearly the entire population and destroyed most of the territory.

Many parts of major cities have been completely destroyed, and about 90% of the approximately 2 million Palestinians have been displaced within the country. / REL/ Periscopi/