The European Union has decided to review its association agreement with Israelin force since 2000, after the application of 17 Member Statesamong them Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Luxembourg. This measure responds to the growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the alleged human rights violations committed by Israel.
In this way, the Association Council, the main bilateral dialogue body, has the purpose of evaluating compliance with the agreement. This review will be key to determining if Brussels adopts more severe measures in front of the government of Benjamín Netanyahu, accused of maintaining a block that prevents the entry of food and medicines essential in the Palestinian enclave.
The high representative of the EU for foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, announced last Tuesday that the review will focus on article 2 of the agreement, which requires respect for human rights and democratic principles. Kallas described the situation in Gaza as “unsustainable, unbearable and inhuman”, and stressed that “saving lives should be our top priority.”
Saving lives should be our top priority
International pressure on Israel has increased, with countries such as United Kingdom, France and Canada who have already suspended their commercial negotiations and have threatened sanctions if the offensive on Gaza is not ceased. The UN has warned that Up to 14,000 babies could die in the next 48 hours No urgent humanitarian aid.
The initiative marks a change of tone in European foreign policy towards Israel, traditionally more contained. Although It does not imply an immediate rupture of relationships or an automatic suspension of trade —Cifted in more than 63,000 million euros annually, “does open the door to political and economic consequences If it is concluded that Israel has breached the terms of the treaty.
Israel’s position
The authorities Israelis, meanwhile, have rejected the decision of the European Union. “We completely reject the address taken in the statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality facing Israel,” said the Israeli Foreign Ministry in response to EU measures, Marmorstein.
We completely reject the address taken in the statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality facing Israel
Israeli spokesman shares in a statement through social network X that “Criticizing Israel only hardens Hamas’s position And it encourages him to stand firm, “and ensures that these positions” result in the prolongation of war. “
