Von der Leyen Defends EU Record on Gaza Amid Pressure for Action Against Israel

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU's response to the Gaza conflict, asserting that no other actor does more for Gaza than the European Union. Her remarks came in response to questions about why the Commission has been slow to impose measures against Israel over its conduct in the conflict. Von der Leyen's comments reflect ongoing pressure from EU member states and critics who argue that the bloc's response has been inadequate given the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU responsible for proposing legislation and managing policy, has faced calls to take stronger action, including reviewing the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs trade and political relations between the two sides. The debate highlights deep divisions within the EU over how to balance its historically close ties with Israel against growing demands for accountability over the Gaza conflict.