European officials call to suspend EU-Israel agreement
A group of 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials has called for the suspension of the European Union–Israel Association Agreement.
In a joint statement released ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on April 21, the officials said that Israel continues its occupation policies in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.
The statement noted that Israeli settlers continue activities on Palestinian land, with new construction projects being planned. It also highlighted ongoing plans related to the E1 corridor, which would further divide the West Bank. Additionally, it drew attention to casualties and displacement caused by Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
The statement emphasized that Israel continues to restrict access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, while the activities of United Nations agencies and international NGOs are being obstructed, worsening the humanitarian situation on the ground.
It also referred to proposed legislation introducing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of terrorism, noting that the measure would not apply to Israeli Jews.
The former officials recalled that the EU’s foreign policy is based on democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, arguing that Israel is violating these principles. They pointed out that Article 2 of the EU–Israel Association Agreement defines respect for human rights as a fundamental element.
The statement further stressed that the EU’s previous lack of concrete action against Israel has contributed to perceptions of “double standards” internationally.
Demands
The signatories called for:
- Partial or full suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement
- A ban on trade with illegal settlements
- Suspension of military trade with Israel
- Freezing Israel’s participation in EU programs
- Expanded sanctions against individuals involved in human rights violations
