Brussels: President of the European Council Antonio Costa has expressed support for the European Commission’s proposed sanctions on an Israeli entity, focusing on measures against extremist ministers and violent settlers. The proposal also includes suspending certain trade provisions of the Association Agreement with the Israeli Entity.
According to Qatar News Agency, Costa shared his views on the X platform, indicating that the decision now rests with the member states. He stressed that these proposed measures are intended to send a strong message that Europe is not in favor of the Israeli government’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
Costa pointed out the dire conditions in Gaza, urging for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered access to humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages. His comments followed an announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who had put forward a proposal to the European Council. This proposal advocates for sanctions against extremist ministers within the Israeli occupation government and violent settlers, alongside the suspension of certain trade-related provisions in the EU-Israel Association Agreement.