Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the European Union (EU) to take a definitive stance against Israel’s actions during the upcoming EU-Israel Association Council meeting, scheduled for Monday. This meeting, to be led by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, demands a shift in the EU’s previous hesitations regarding Israel’s alleged war crimes, including acts of apartheid and genocide.
In the past, countries like Spain and Ireland requested a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of Israel’s severe human rights violations, but the EU has yet to respond. This Association Council represents the EU’s highest-level engagement with Israel, highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming discussions following a decade-long hiatus caused by Israel’s discontent.
Claudio Francavilla, HRW’s associate EU director, stated that ongoing relations with a government accused of grave crimes against humanity are untenable. He emphasised that the purpose of the Council meeting should be to vocally address these atrocities and propose much-needed corrective measures. More than 100 civil society organisations have joined HRW in requesting that discussions focus on suspending the agreement.
The emphasis on human rights and democratic practices within Article 2 of the Association Agreement provides a legal basis for its suspension in the face of violations. HRW has compiled extensive documentation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including unique instances of ethnic cleansing and war crimes, highlighting the dire necessity for the EU to pressure Israeli authorities.
Despite some EU nations beginning to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers, critics argue that more robust measures are necessary to hold accountable those in power who facilitate human rights violations. The EU continues arms exports to Israel, which HRW claims could implicate it in potential war crimes. Furthermore, a smear campaign led by Israel has led to diminished support for crucial services provided to Palestinian refugees, showing the complex interplay between international politics and humanitarian needs.
Francavilla concluded that the EU’s ongoing reluctance to address Israel’s serious violations is fuelling further atrocities while damaging the bloc’s reputation concerning its commitment to human rights and international norms. Without a definitive pivot, the EU risks allowing these abuses to continue unchallenged, dangerously suggesting a tacit endorsement of such actions.
– Human Rights Watch calls for condemnation of Israeli violations at the EU-Israel meeting. – Spain and Ireland had previously sought a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. – HRW highlights serious accusations against the Israeli government, urging EU action. – The EU has faced criticism for arms exports to Israel and insufficient sanctions against abuses.
The EU’s upcoming Association Council meeting with Israel presents a critical opportunity for EU officials to urgently address and condemn Israel’s alleged war crimes and human rights violations. Human Rights Watch, along with numerous civil society organisations, underscores the importance of this meeting, advocating for the suspension of the EU-Israel agreement should these abuses remain unacknowledged. The call for change highlights the EU’s responsibility in upholding human rights and maintaining its credibility on the international stage.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
