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European Union

EU Indicates Israel's Actions in Gaza May Violate Human Rights Obligations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The European Union has suggested that Israel's actions in Gaza may be violating its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Associated Agreement. This review by the EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service, was presented to foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc in Brussels. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, led the discussion, and at least one country has proposed suspending the trade deal, which would require a unanimous decision. However, if a 'qualified majority' of 15 nations representing 65% of the EU population agree, other actions such as ending visa-free travel, sanctioning Israeli settlers, or halting academic partnerships could be taken.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU suggests that Israel's actions in Gaza may be violating its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Associated Agreement.
  • A third of Israel's imports come from the EU, valued at approximately €20 billion annually, while Europe imports less than 1% of its goods from Israel.
  • Suspending trade ties with Israel would require a unanimous decision, which is unlikely due to the backing of countries like Austria, Germany, and Hungary.
  • Other actions, such as ending visa-free travel, sanctioning Israeli settlers, or halting academic partnerships, could be pushed if a 'qualified majority' of 15 nations representing 65% of the EU population agree.
  • Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland, and Spain have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians in Gaza.
  • Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry reports that about 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since the military campaign began.
  • Images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in European cities such as London, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid, and Amsterdam.

Statistics:

  • Three-tenths (30%) of Israel's imports come from the EU.
  • The value of Israel's imports from the EU is approximately €20 billion annually.
  • Less than 1% (0.8%) of Europe's imports come from Israel.
  • 15 nations representing 65% of the EU population would be required for a 'qualified majority' decision.
  • Approximately 1,200 people were killed in Hamas' October 2023 attack on southern Israel.
  • Around 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the military campaign began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • €20 billion: the value of Israel's imports from the EU annually.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The EU Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security
  • The European External Action Service
  • The Gaza Health Ministry
  • Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp
  • EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas

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