Ursula von der Leyen: No one does more for Gaza than EU

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU does more than anyone for Gaza, responding to questions about why the Commission appeared to be “dragging its feet” on action against Israel. Speaking after meeting Irish ministers in Cork at the start of Ireland’s six-month Council presidency, she argued that the EU is the world’s largest provider of assistance to the Palestinian people. Von der Leyen cited that since October 23 the EU earmarked more than 2.7 billion euros in humanitarian aid and budget support, organized 85 humanitarian bridge flights, and delivered over 5,600 tonnes of supplies. She called continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank “utterly unacceptable” and “abhorrent” violence. She said a proposal to suspend trade preferences was made 10 months ago but remains for member states to vote, and that no consensus exists yet on sanctions for Itamar Ben-Gvir. She also acknowledged work remains on the EU entry/exit system, which has been causing queues at ports and airports.