On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed suspending free-trade arrangements on Israeli goods due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. This move is part of the EU's efforts to address the war's humanitarian and political impacts, but it lacks sufficient support from EU member states to pass.
The suspension of free-trade privileges would mark a significant shift in EU-Israel relations, given the longstanding trade agreements between the two. The free-trade arrangements have facilitated the exchange of goods, boosting economic ties, but the European Commission’s move reflects increasing concerns over the conflict and its impact on international stability.
In addition to the trade measures, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed a package of sanctions targeting two Israeli ministers, as well as individuals connected to violent settlers and members of Hamas. The sanctions aim to address those deemed responsible for escalating violence and contributing to the ongoing crisis.
While these proposals signal the European Union's desire to take a more assertive stance on the situation in Gaza, the lack of unanimous support among member states underscores the complexities of reaching a consensus within the EU. The outcome of these measures remains uncertain as diplomatic discussions continue within the bloc.
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The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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