Lahore, Sept. 10 -- European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday that she will push for sanctions on "extremist" Israeli ministers and consider curbing trade ties in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Speaking to the European Parliament, von der Leyen warned that famine in Gaza should not be used as a "weapon of war" and expressed deep concern over the suffering of civilians, especially children and families.

She lamented that divisions among EU member states have slowed a collective response, adding that the European Commission will take independent action where possible to address the crisis.

The commission plans to halt bilateral support to Israel temporarily, stopping payments but contin...