EU Considers Suspending Israel Deal
The European Union will discuss suspending its association agreement with Israel due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced Tuesday in Brussels.
Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas said a proposal by the Dutch foreign minister to review Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement will be formally considered. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire,” Kallas stated.
“Humanitarian aid should reach Gaza as soon as possible.”
— EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas
She acknowledged Israel’s recent move to allow some aid but dismissed it as insufficient: “It’s a drop in the ocean. There are thousands of trucks behind the borders waiting. It is European money that has funded this humanitarian aid, and it has to reach the people.”
Shifting EU Position on Syria
On Syria, Kallas revealed the EU is considering easing sanctions. “We’ve had very intense discussions,” she said. “There are worries about whether the government is going in the right direction… but we don't have a choice.” The aim, she noted, is to help stabilize the country.
New Sanctions Looming on Russia
Turning to Ukraine, Kallas said Kyiv had accepted a ceasefire but that Russia must be pressured to reciprocate. “We will agree on the 17th package of sanctions today,” she confirmed, adding that the bloc is also working on a more robust follow-up package.