Brussels: Spanish Foreign Minister Jos© Manuel Albares has called on the European Union to take bold action by imposing sanctions on Israel over its ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which he described as genocidal. Speaking to reporters ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, Albares announced that he would request the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, as well as a ban on arms sales and targeted sanctions against Israeli officials deemed responsible for violations.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, suspending the EU-Israel partnership, which grants Israel preferential trade privileges, would require the support of a qualified majority-at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population. Albares emphasized his commitment to this cause by stating, "I will ask my colleagues to have the courage to impose sanctions on Israel."
The situation in Gaza has escalated significantly, with full American support reportedly backing Israel's actions since October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 187,000 Palestinians being killed or wounded, with the majority being women and children. Additionally, over 11,000 people remain missing, and hundreds of thousands have been forcibly displaced, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
