EU to sanction Israeli ministers and settlers, Gaza trade impact

Brussels — The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled its most far-reaching plan yet to press Israel to change course over its military campaign in Gaza, proposing targeted sanctions on Israeli ministers and violent settlers and a partial suspension of trade concessions that would affect a significant share of Israeli exports to the bloc. The measures, announced in Brussels, are aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza nearly two years after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

Commission officials said the package would include sanctions aimed at far-right Cabinet figures, notably National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as well as three extremist settlers and several West Bank organisations. The proposals would also list 10 senior Hamas leaders for sanctions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the steps were intended to halt the daily horrors in Gaza, call for an immediate ceasefire, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and secure the release of hostages.

The trade element would suspend certain traderelated provisions of the EU-Israel Association...