The Spanish foreign minister said today that the European Union would discuss introducing possible sanctions against Israel if it continued to reject calls for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territories.
"We discussed the possibility (of sanctions) at the last general council in Luxembourg," Minister Josep Pique said on the sidelines of a meeting in Venice. Spain currently holds the rotating EU presidency.
"It's a possible scenario but we have to discuss it among the 15 members and have a common position. Some countries are in favour of introducing sanctions very, very soon, others are more reluctant. So we have to discuss it," he said.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon deflected a call by US President George W. Bush for a withdrawal from West Bank cities without delay , saying Israel's desire to avoid Palestinian civilian casualties while sweeping for militants meant the offensive could not be hurried.
Belgian Foreign Minister Mr Louis Michel, also speaking today, said the EU could rethink trade ties with Israel after it barred EU foreign policy chief Mr Javier Solana and Minister Pique on Thursday from meeting Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat.