EU Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over Gaza strikes

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Wednesday proposed a package of sanctions against Israel due to its strikes on the Gaza Strip.

The proposal included suspending certain trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel, and sanctions on Hamas.

However, the move does not amount to halting trade with Israel, according to Kallas.

Apart from that, the announced measures also included sanctions on two Israeli ministers, as well as violent settlers and 10 Hamas members.

The proposal was adopted at the European Commission meeting on the same day, but it still requires approval from EU member states and will take effect 30 days after receiving the approval.

On Tuesday, Kallas said that the European Commission is set to propose measures on the next day to pressure the Israeli government to change its stance on the Gaza conflict, as Israel's ground offensive in Gaza will further worsen an already dire situation.

EU Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over Gaza strikes

EU Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over Gaza strikes

EU Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over Gaza strikes

EU Commission proposes sanctions on Israel over Gaza strikes

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"