The situation in Gaza remains dire and widely described as a doomsday scenario. Between 60 and 70 percent of the dead are civilians, and about 85 percent of the population has been displaced. Confronted with this alarming reality, the European Union is evaluating additional steps and the imposition of further sanctions. Josep Borrell, head of European diplomacy, confirmed that the EU intends to act against Hamas and to counter violence by extremist Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, aligning its stance with U.S. sanctions where appropriate.
The possibility of introducing new sanctions against Hamas, which sits on Europe’s list of terrorist organizations, was discussed by France, Italy, and Germany. Borrell explained that no Member State objected, so the proposal will be forwarded to the Council for adoption. At the same time, he pledged to present a measure aimed at punishing extremist settlers who attack Palestinians in the West Bank. “We must move from words to actions. Stop saying we’re worried and start taking the steps we can against acts of violence against the Palestinian people in the West Bank,” he stated.
Borrell added that there is no unanimous agreement, but the work continues on a list of “individuals known for violent activities and attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.” This list would underpin a proposed package of sanctions, to be discussed within the EU’s human rights framework, with Member States having the final say after deliberations in Brussels.
Division over ceasefire
Just hours ahead of a forthcoming European Council meeting in Brussels, consensus on a ceasefire request from the Twenty-Seven remains elusive. The issue has split member states, despite calls from Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Malta. Their prime ministers sent a letter to European Council President Charles Michel, urging a stronger message at the summit at week’s end.
“We must press for a long pause that leads to a ceasefire and a sustainable ceasefire,” remarked one spokesperson, supporting the stance taken by the French foreign minister. The matter is also on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly, which will address it after the United States vetoed a proposal from the United Arab Emirates. Borrell noted uncertainty about how the Twenty-Seven might vote, whether they will come together or show divisions similar to those seen in late October.
In any case, warnings continue. The foreign policy chief cautioned that the bombings persist with intense force, and he urged forums such as the G7 to urge Israel to avoid a repeat of tactics used in the south versus the north of Gaza. He warned that the prospects for the Palestinian territories look bleak, with few shelters or safe havens remaining.