EU Must Lift Penalties on Israel Now That Gaza Ceasefire Has Begun, Envoy Says. Israel’s new ambassador to the EU, Avi Nir-Feldklein, has urged the bloc to lift penalties imposed over the Gaza crisis, citing the start of a Trump-backed ceasefire. In his first interview since taking office, Nir-Feldklein said he was “optimistic” the truce could help reset strained Israel-EU relations. He acknowledged recent tensions but called the dispute “a short, uncomfortable situation” that can be overcome through renewed cooperation. The envoy said EU member states “want to be part” of the peace process and should “clear the table” by removing sanctions and restoring frozen funding. Last month, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen imposed trade restrictions and suspended €14 million in funding over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Nir-Feldklein called for the resumption of Horizon Europe research cooperation and the restoration of Israel’s preferential trade terms. While EU officials seek a role in the postwar “board of peace” overseeing Gaza, the ambassador said Israel would first require Brussels to lift its punitive measures. Nir-Feldklein reiterated that a two-state solution remains “off the table” for now, though it could return “if Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state.” [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]