Brussels: The European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Union’s foreign policy arm, stated on Saturday that Israel may be violating its human rights obligations under the bilateral agreement governing its relations with the EU.
According to Jordan News Agency, the EEAS cited independent international assessments indicating “signs that Israel is breaching its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement,” which stipulates that their relations must be based on respect for human rights.
The Netherlands is among several EU countries that have accused Israel of violating this fundamental principle in its conduct during the war in Gaza. Last year, discussions intensified around the agreement following an initiative led by Spain and Ireland.
Earlier this week, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas hinted that the bloc could suspend the partnership agreement with Israel. Speaking during a European Parliament session, she said Israel’s actions in Gaza violate international law, adding that the EU’s final assessment, due June 23, could lead to the agreement’s suspension.
“Israel’s use of force in Gaza, the ongoing killing of civilians, and attacks on civilian infrastructure go beyond the limits of self-defense,” Kallas said.
In parallel developments, nine EU member states Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Luxembourg, Poland, and Slovenia have formally urged the European Commission to propose measures to halt trade between the EU and Israeli settlements in the occupied