European Commission considers suspending Israel's access to EU funding for tech start-ups

The European Commission (EC) on Monday said it is considering suspending Israel's access to European Union (EU) funding for tech start-ups, following pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, AFP reported.

A string of EU countries have pushed for concrete action against Israel in the face of growing fears of mass starvation in the war-ravaged territory. The proposed action would involve partially suspending Israel's involvement in the Horizon research programme and will be discussed by the EU's 27 countries on 29 July. It would need the approval of the majority of member states to go into force. 

"The situation remains severe," the EC said in a statement. "The proposed suspension is a targeted and reversible action," it added.

The EU has been criticised for not doing enough to end Israel's war on Gaza.