Overview

• Israel’s army has launched a large ground operation in Gaza City with thousands of troops, and a spokesperson says the campaign could last many months.
• A UN-appointed commission concluded Israel’s conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide, prompting urgent appeals from the UN and aid groups that describe catastrophic conditions.
• The European Commission proposed partially suspending trade preferences that cover about 37% of Israeli exports to the EU and estimates roughly €227 million in additional annual tariffs.
• Targeted measures proposed include sanctions on ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, extremist settlers, and members of the Hamas political bureau.
• EU capitals remain split, with Germany joined by Hungary, Czechia and Italy in resisting action; trade steps require a qualified majority, while personal listings typically need unanimity.