Euractiv: EU to propose options paper on Israel over Gaza next week

The EU is expected next week to lay out a range of around five possible measures against Israel over its conduct in Gaza, though the bloc’s deep divisions suggest that few, if any, will be adopted, Report informs via Euractiv.

An internal EU review of Israel’s trade agreement with the bloc, seen by Euractiv last month, had found "indications of a breach" of the human rights commitments outlined under the deal.

Now, the EU's diplomatic service (EEAS) is expected to present an options paper with possible measures to the bloc's ambassadors next Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The options paper is expected to include a full or partial suspension of the agreement, sanctions on individuals such as Israeli government ministers, military personnel, trade measures, an arms embargo, or a suspension of scientific cooperation between the two.

While most of those options have been floated in previous talks, this is the first time they are being formally laid out in writing.

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the options paper at their 15 July meeting in Brussels – the last before the summer break.