Von der Leyen calls on Israel to “reconsider” its plan for Gaza

Brussels (Belgium) – “The Israeli government must reverse its decision to extend its military operation in Gaza,” said the head of the European executive on the social network X.

“A ceasefire is needed immediately,” she stated, calling for humanitarian aid to access “immediately and without hindrance to Gaza.”

At the end of June, the European Commission had already estimated that Israel was violating an article of the association agreement that binds it to the EU, regarding respect for human rights, due to the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In response, it had then proposed to suspend certain European funding for Israeli start-ups.

This proposal has been under consideration for several days by the member states, which have not yet validated it.

The Twenty-Seven have been particularly divided on the attitude to adopt towards Israel since the beginning of its war in Gaza against Hamas, in response to the unprecedented attack carried out on October 7, 2023, on Israeli soil by this Palestinian Islamist movement.

Several member states, including Germany, have long insisted on Israel’s right to defend itself, in accordance with international law, while others, like Spain, denounce a “genocide” against the Palestinians in Gaza.

However, Berlin initiated a major shift on Friday by announcing the suspension of arms exports that Israel could use in Gaza. 

Within the Commission itself, the lines are also beginning to shift. In an interview given to Politico this week, its vice-president Teresa Ribera stated that the situation in Gaza “resembled a lot” to a “genocide.” (August 8, 2025)