The European Commission has proposed sanctions against Israel in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, suggesting a partial suspension of Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research funding program.

If adopted, this proposal would specifically impact Israel's involvement in the EIC Accelerator, which funds start-ups and small businesses focused on dual-use technologies like cybersecurity and drones.

The Commission's proposal highlights Israel's severe restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery to approximately two million Palestinians in Gaza as a key justification for the sanctions.

The proposal is grounded in findings from EU auditors that indicate Israel's actions in Gaza violate human rights principles established in a 2000 association agreement with the EU.

Diplomatic sources stress the urgency for decisive action regarding the humanitarian crisis, reflecting increasing political pressure on Israel from various EU member states.

Despite the calls for stronger measures, there is a lack of consensus among EU countries, with nations like Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic opposing sanctions against Israel.

For the sanctions to be implemented, a qualified majority of 15 out of 27 EU member states, representing at least 65% of the population, is required, meaning unanimous approval is not necessary.

EU ambassadors are set to discuss the proposal in Brussels on July 29, 2025, to determine the next steps regarding the potential sanctions.

This potential suspension is also a response to Israel's failure to improve access to essential food and medical supplies for Palestinians in Gaza, as outlined in a prior negotiated agreement.

In response to the proposal, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has criticized it as unjustified, arguing that it would only serve to strengthen Hamas amid ongoing conflicts.

Despite the proposed sanctions, Israeli universities and researchers involved in Horizon Europe projects would remain unaffected and continue to participate in collaborative research activities.

Recent efforts included a negotiated agreement on July 10 aimed at improving humanitarian aid access to Gaza, although significant challenges and high civilian casualties persist.