European Commission proposes freezing Israel trade pact over Gaza

The European Commission has proposed suspending its free trade agreement with Israel and sanctioning two ministers over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This action follows a United Nations investigation that found Israel guilty of genocide and comes with demands for an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access. If approved by a qualified majority of EU members, the suspension would impose tariffs on 37 percent of the EU's imports from Israel, its largest trading partner. The Commission is also freezing millions in bilateral financial support and institutional cooperation projects with Israel. Israeli officials have condemned the proposals as distorted and warned of reciprocal measures.