Israel says EU chief ‘echoing Hamas propaganda’ after sanctions proposal

Israel on Thursday slammed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after she announced new EU measures over the Gaza genocide, including a proposal for sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers, partial suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement, and the creation of a donor group for Gaza reconstruction. 

On Wednesday, Von der Leyen said “man-made famine can never be a weapon of war” and that “this must stop”, adding that what is happening in Gaza has “shaken the conscience of the world.”

In response, Israel’s foreign ministry said her remarks were “deeply regrettable” and accused her of “echoing Hamas propaganda” while sending the wrong message that “emboldens terror.” 

The ministry insisted Israel has enabled “massive humanitarian aid to Gaza”, much of it coordinated with the EU, and argued that Hamas alone bears responsibility for the suffering in the territory.

“Missing from the President’s statement is the truth: the suffering in Gaza is caused by Hamas,” the statement read. “The war could end today - and a new future for Gaza could begin - if the hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed.”