EU: Sanctions On Israel Remain On Table Unless Real Change On Ground Seen

BRUSSELS, Oct 21 (Bernama-QNA) -- European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed Monday that the bloc is keeping the possibility of imposing sanctions on the Israeli occupation alive, in an effort to ensure compliance with a full ceasefire in Gaza, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said, "The ceasefire has changed the context, that is very clear for everybody."

She added, "However, unless we see real and sustained change on the ground, including more aid reaching Gaza, the threat of sanctions remains on the table."

"For now, we are not taking them off the table, but we are not moving with them either, because the situation is very fragile," she said.

She noted that the EU looks forward to Israel taking a series of steps, including allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza and allowing journalists to enter the Strip.

The EU, the largest international donor to the Palestinians, is considering how to play a greater role in Gaza after the war.

The EU has reactivated a civilian mission to monitor the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in support of the ceasefire agreement, but it will remain suspended pending its reopening.

-- BERNAMA-QNA