European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated Wednesday her plans to pursue sanctions and partial trade suspension against Israel as a response to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The European Union, comprising 27 nations, has been sharply divided on handling the situation involving Israel and the Palestinians, leaving the effectiveness of the proposed sanctions uncertain.
Amidst these developments, emergency teams in Qatar have been engaged in rescue operations following an Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders gathered in the country for discussions regarding a U.S. ceasefire proposal.
This airstrike, which claimed the lives of several Hamas operatives and a Qatari security personnel, has drawn condemnation from multiple nations across the Middle East and further afield.
In light of these events, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of Israel's strike on Qatar on future diplomatic efforts and the fragile peace established with Arab states through the Abraham Accords.
During her remarks in Strasbourg, von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need to halt the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war, which drew applause from members of the European Parliament.
Additionally, Qatar's Emir has condemned the attack and engaged in discussions with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, while asserting that their military capabilities failed to detect the missile strikes, suggesting advanced Israeli weaponry was employed.
This incident highlights the urgency for international dialogue and a return to a ceasefire, which Japan's government has also reinforced, calling for a halt to such aggressive actions that further destabilize the region.
