EU urges Israel to shield Gaza civilians from further bloodshed

The European Commission called on Israel to protect residents of Gaza and comply with international humanitarian law following a call by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to kill 30–40 civilians a day, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, she added that civilians must be protected at all times, according to Russian media.

Hipper recalled that the European Commission had “already submitted to the EU Council (more than two months ago) a proposal to impose sanctions on Ben-Gvir, and it is under consideration.” She declined to specify the grounds cited for the proposed sanctions, referring to their confidential nature, but indicated that no new proposals would be submitted.

The EU Council, at the level of foreign ministers, considered a proposal for sanctions against Israel, including Ben-Gvir, at a meeting on June 16, but failed to come close to reaching a consensus on the issue.

By Jeyhun Aghazada