The European Commission is preparing sanctions against Israel due to the conflict in Gaza

The European Commission plans to implement sanctions against Israel in connection with the conflict in Gaza, as announced at a press conference on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The decision will be made on Wednesday.

According to the commission’s representative Paula Pinho, the commissioners are set to consider a package of measures that includes the temporary suspension of certain trade terms of agreements between the European Union and Israel. Journalists were informed that this is only part of a broader initiative.

Previous Steps and Current Situation

Last week, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced possible sanctions against a number of Israeli ministers, as well as the suspension of trade agreements with Israel. Specific names and details on the suspended trade issues have not yet been disclosed.

Critical sentiments in the EU towards Israel’s actions in Gaza are intensifying. According to Reuters, several countries, including Ireland, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden, have called for the suspension of existing free trade agreements with Israel, but such measures have met resistance from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Military Actions and Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

The Israeli army (IDF) began a ground operation in Gaza on September 16, following airstrikes on the evening of September 15. The operations are being conducted amid IDF calls for the Palestinian population to leave the city and move south to humanitarian aid zones. Official data indicates that about 300,000 people have relocated, while approximately 700,000 remain.

Israel has been conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas militants on the south of the country, which resulted in the death of over 1,200 Israelis, with more than 250 taken hostage. Israeli officials emphasize the complete destruction of Hamas as one of the key objectives of the operation.

Hostages and Humanitarian Issues

One of the main goals of the operation is the release of hostages. The latest data reports 50 people being held captive, of whom 20 are considered alive.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, claims “almost 65,000 Palestinians have died since the beginning of hostilities.” These figures have not received independent confirmation.