Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced today that she will push for sanctions against Israel and a partial suspension of trade over its ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Her remarks, delivered before the European Parliament, come amid deep divisions within the 27-member bloc regarding its stance on Israel and the Palestinians. It remains unclear whether there is sufficient support among member states to approve the proposed sanctions and trade restrictions.

According to Qatar News Agency, von der Leyen stated that the man-made famine must never be used as a weapon of war and that what is happening in Gaza is unacceptable. She acknowledged that the EU's failure to respond decisively to Israel's actions in Gaza has been deeply troubling.

To break the current political deadlock, von der Leyen proposed suspending bilateral aid to Israel and halting all payments to Gaza, except for those directed toward civil society projects. She also called for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, specifically in regard to trade measures. Additionally, the European Commission President pledged to impose sanctions on Israeli extremist ministers and violent settlers.