Gaza: European Commission Vice President Demands Imports Ban And Suspension Of Dialog With Israel

European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell Fontelles has proposed significant measures against Israel in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Borrell called for a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and the suspension of political dialogue with Israel, urging the European Union (EU) to take decisive action.

Writing on his official blog, Borrell criticised Israel’s disregard for international law during the Gaza conflict. He condemned the displacement of over 400,000 civilians in northern Gaza, describing the situation as “ethnic cleansing” and highlighting the destruction of health centres, schools, and shelters. Borrell also decried the information blackout in Gaza, alleging that journalists had been targeted, with more than 130 killed to date.

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Borrell’s blog post drew attention to broader patterns of violence, including the uprooting of Palestinian communities in the West Bank and the destruction of villages in southern Lebanon. He expressed concern over the erosion of international humanitarian law, emphasising that the EU must uphold the principles of justice and accountability.

Borrell noted that Israel’s actions have undermined the EU’s credibility in maintaining a rules-based international order. He criticised the lack of consequences for Israel, contrasting it with sanctions imposed in other conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Proposing immediate action, Borrell suggested an import ban on settlement products, mirroring existing sanctions on goods from occupied Ukrainian territories. He also recommended assessing Israel’s compliance with its EU Association Agreement, potentially leading to the suspension of political dialogue.

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Borrell acknowledged the EU’s initial solidarity with Israel following the 7 October attacks but warned against allowing retaliation to spiral into revenge. “One horror cannot justify another,” he stated, urging Israel to act within international law.

The measures will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council next week, marking a pivotal moment for EU-Israel relations amidst growing global calls for accountability in Gaza.