Saudi Arabia condemns ‘in strongest terms’ Israeli ground assault on Gaza City
Saudi Arabia has joined the chorus of condemnation of Israel’s ground offensive on Gaza City.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the kingdom condemned “in the strongest terms” the Israeli forces’ assault and their continued perpetration of crimes against the Palestinian people.
It also criticised the international community’s inaction in taking effective measures to end to what it described as violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
China condemns Israel’s Gaza City offensive, calls for protection of civilians
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says it “firmly opposes” Israel’s assault on Gaza City, joining dozens of governments around the world that have voiced their objections.
“China firmly opposes Israel’s escalation of military operations in Gaza and condemns all acts that harm civilians and violate international law,” spokesman Lin Jian said.
European Commission prepares sanctions on 37% of Israel-EU trade
The European Commission is preparing a package of sanctions on Israel.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Euronews the move is intended to hit parts of Israel’s trade with the bloc that come under preferential trade partner arrangements, which she said accounts for about 37 percent of the 42.6 billion euros ($50.45bn) that was traded in 2024.
Kallas said the step “will have a high cost for Israel” if approved. The measure requires a majority of EU member states, and Kallas acknowledged this will be difficult.
“My question to all counterparts, because it’s not only Germany, was that if you agree on the diagnosis that the situation is extremely grave, the situation is disastrous and untenable, then the question is, what do we do about this?” she said.
“If you don’t support these measures, then what measures can you support? Bring alternatives.”
