European Union proposes an unprecedented sanction against Israel for humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Trump contradicts ally Netanyahu and says that there is hunger in Gaza the European Union (EU) proposed on Monday (28) an unprecedented measure against Israel, suggesting the partial suspension of its participation in the Horizon Europe program, the main European research and innovation initiative. ✅ Click here to follow the G1 international news channel on WhatsApp the decision, which will be debated by 27 Member States on Tuesday (29), specifically reaches Israeli start-ups specializing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and drones-sectors with strong double, civil and military potential. According to the European Commission, the proposal is a response to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. “Even if Israel has announced daily humanitarian breaks in the fighting and has fulfilled part of its commitments, the situation remains serious,” says the official statement. World Health Organization (WHO) reports point to alarming levels of malnutrition in Palestinian territory, with a peak death recorded in July. The legal basis of the proposal is in Article 2 of the Association Agreement between Israel and the EU, which establishes respect for human rights as an essential clause. An internal report of the committee, presented to the Member States at the end of June, concluded that Israel is not respecting this commitment, which motivated the search for retaliation measures. The EU initiative reflects a tone change in relation to the traditional posture of support to Israel. Countries such as France, Spain and the Netherlands have been pressured for concrete measures, while Germany and Hungary maintain more cautious positions, defending Israel’s right to self -defense. This internal division highlights the EU challenge in formulating a cohesive foreign policy in the face of sensitive conflicts. Read also Trump contradicts ally Netanyahu and says that ‘there is real hunger’ in Gaza in a new guideline, Trump government authorizes the use of crucifixes and ‘evangelization’ in the public government Milei Milei negotiates agreement to enter the US without visa immediate effects Benjamin Netanyahu speech on the UN on September 27, 2024 Reuters/Eduardo Munoz the measure can open precedents for overview of others Cooperation instruments such as commercial agreements and academic mobility. There is also a risk of retaliation from Israel as restrictions on European researchers. The proposal may also intensify the debate on the ethical criteria of European financing programs. Universities and research centers are already facing dilemmas about maintaining partnerships with Israeli institutions, at risk of being accused of complicity with human rights violations. Among the options initially evaluated were the restriction of exports, review of the visa policy and suspension of financing. The alternative now presented is seen as one of the most moderate and is described as “directed” and “reversible” by the commission itself. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, on October 7, 2023, EU countries have adopted divergent positions. Germany has reiterated its support for Israel’s right of defense, as long as it respects international humanitarian law. Already Spain accuses the Israeli government of committing “genocide” against the Palestinian population. Israel’s reaction to the proposal, the Israeli government stated that it is a “wrong, unfortunate and unjustified” measure, adding that the decision “strengthens Hamas” and impairs negotiations for a ceasefire. The proposed suspension does not directly impact Israeli universities or researchers who participate in collaborative projects, preserving academic cooperation. However, it represents the first concrete sanction of the European Union since the beginning of the conflict. Videos on the g1 Videos: More assisted from G1

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