The European Union will begin a formal review of its Association Agreement with Israel due to concerns over human rights violations in Gaza, announced EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
“There is a broad majority supporting a review of Article 2 of the Association Agreement with Israel,” Kallas stated, referring to the clause requiring respect for human rights and democratic principles.
The European Commission will now launch the procedure to assess Israel’s compliance. The agreement, in force since 2000, facilitates political dialogue and trade but is contingent on adherence to human rights standards.
Seventeen member states, including France, voted in favor of the review. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot declared the situation in Gaza a “clear violation of human rights,” warning that suspension of the agreement could follow if non-compliance is confirmed.
The Netherlands and other EU nations had previously urged Kallas to initiate the review in light of Israel’s two-month-long blockade of aid to Gaza, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, 22 nations including France, Germany, the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia have jointly called for Israel to restore full humanitarian access to Gaza under the coordination of the UN and NGOs.
Despite growing pressure, Israel has maintained that external influence will not deter its efforts to defend national security.
The UK has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and summoned Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for explanations regarding the intensified offensive in Gaza.
