Israel Intercepts Largest Gaza Aid Fleet, Merz Proposes Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine
Israel has intercepted the largest Gaza aid fleet to date, deporting hundreds of activists. Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz is advocating for the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, despite disagreements among EU members.
The intercepted aid fleet was attempting to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. Israel's military stated that the activists were planning to break the blockade, which is a violation of international law. Hundreds of activists were deported, and the ships were seized.
In Europe, Chancellor Merz is pushing for the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU holds approximately β¬185 billion of these assets, mainly in Belgium's Euroclear. Merz proposes allocating around β¬140 billion as a low-interest loan to Ukraine, repayable after Russia compensates for war damages. However, EU member states are divided on this issue. While many agree in principle, significant questions remain, and so far, only the interest generated by these frozen funds finances a β¬50 billion loan to Ukraine, not the principal itself. The topic continues to be discussed at EU summits.
Israel's interception of the Gaza aid fleet has raised international concern, with activists calling for an end to the blockade. In the EU, the debate over using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine continues, with no full consensus reached among leaders.
