Wed Sep 10 10:16:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, tailored for The Hindu’s readership:

**Summary:**

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically targeting what she described as extremist elements within the Israeli government and the ongoing trade ties between the EU and Israel. Speaking before the European Parliament, von der Leyen outlined plans to halt direct financial support to the Israeli government (excluding support for civil society and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial), propose sanctions on extremist ministers and violent settlers, and push for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement concerning trade. She acknowledged the deep divisions within the EU member states regarding the response to the situation in Gaza and recognized the difficulty in achieving the necessary consensus for these measures to pass. The move comes in response to the escalating crisis, including the UN-declared famine and the high number of Palestinian casualties, following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel.

**News Article:**

**EU to Consider Sanctions Against Israeli Ministers, Trade Curbs Over Gaza Crisis**

*Strasbourg, September 10, 2025* – In a significant move reflecting growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced today that the EU will consider sanctions against extremist Israeli ministers and explore curbing trade ties with Israel.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen condemned the situation in Gaza, citing the famine and the high number of casualties, particularly among civilians. “What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world,” she stated.

The proposed measures include halting all direct EU payments to the Israeli government, except for projects supporting civil society and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. The European Commission will also propose sanctions targeting extremist ministers and violent settlers whose actions and rhetoric incite violence. Furthermore, von der Leyen stated the EU will push for a partial suspension of the association agreement with Israel on trade-related matters.

While acknowledging the deep divisions among the 27 EU member states regarding the response to the conflict, von der Leyen stressed the urgency of the situation. “I am aware it will be difficult to find majorities,” she conceded. “But we must all take our own responsibilities.”

The announcement comes in the wake of a UN declaration of famine in parts of Gaza. The conflict, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 64,605 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to health ministry figures in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable, and 1,219 Israelis.

Von der Leyen’s announcement is likely to spark considerable debate within the EU and beyond. The proposed measures will require the support of a majority of EU member states, and their potential impact on EU-Israel relations is significant.

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