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Human rights

EU May Take Action Against Israel Over Human Rights Breaches

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union may take further action to increase pressure on Israel unless there are significant improvements for the inhabitants of Gaza, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. After meeting with foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas stated that Israel had breached its human rights commitments in Gaza and the West Bank. She emphasized the need for concrete improvements in the situation on the ground, particularly for the people of Palestine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has warned that the bloc may take further action against Israel over human rights breaches in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The EU has found "indications" that Israel has breached its human rights obligations over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank.
  • A review of the EU-Israel association agreement, a trade and cooperation pact, was triggered last month by 17 member states in protest at Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  • Spain called for outright suspension of the agreement, while other strong supporters of the Palestinians – Ireland, Sweden, and Belgium – stressed the need for action.
  • France's foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, stated that Israel had "clearly violated" article two of the EU-Israel agreement (a clause on human rights) and ministers would "draw the consequences" at their meeting next month.
  • Germany, Italy, and Greece opposed suspending the agreement, while Hungary voiced opposition to even launching the review.
  • The EU report is largely based on findings from UN bodies and the international court of justice.
  • Part of the relationship agreement – trade or Israel's participation in the EU's Horizon research programme – could be suspended by a weighted majority vote.

Statistics:

  • The EU-Israel association agreement underpins a trading relationship worth €68bn (£58bn) between the 27 EU countries and Israel.
  • The OECD reports that the EU accounts for about a third of Israel's exports.

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