Human rights groups have launched a scathing critique of the EU, condemning the bloc for seemingly ignoring Israeli violations as it approaches the forthcoming Partnership Council meeting with Israel. They call for an end to discussions with Tel Aviv and demand sanctions on Israeli officials.
At a press conference in Brussels, Alexis Deswaef, vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights, underscored the urgent need for accountability regarding Israel’s actions.
“All possible alarms are sounding, yet the EU turns a blind eye, acting as if nothing is happening in Israel. Every honest lawyer in the world will confirm that this is an ongoing genocide,” Deswaef stated, decrying Israel’s settlement expansions in the West Bank and linking it to military complicity and support from previous U.S. administrations.
He highlighted the EU’s engagement with Israel as detrimental to its credibility and invoked Article 2 of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement, which mandates adherence to human rights and international law. He urged the bloc to reconsider its relationship with Tel Aviv.
Bertrand Heilbronn, president of the European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine, echoed these sentiments, critiquing the Partnership Council for facilitating, rather than preventing, violations of international law. He implored the EU to uphold its responsibility in light of perceived U.S. neglect.
Claudio Francavilla, associate director at Human Rights Watch’s EU office, harshly condemned the EU’s response to the situation, remarking, “The EU behaves as if Palestinians are dying from a natural disaster.” He challenged the EU’s commitment to international law and questioned the rationale behind ongoing trade with Israel despite common agreement among member states on the illegality of Israeli settlements.
Francavilla contended that the upcoming meeting could be a pivotal moment for the EU to take a stand, advocating for the suspension of agreements with Israel, sanctions against officials, support for the International Criminal Court, and an end to arms sales.
As the Partnership Council meeting looms, Ireland and Spain have voiced their demands for the suspension of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement, citing Article 2’s human rights provisions. Past discussions about the agreement, especially under former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, have laid the groundwork for potential measures.
Kaja Kallas, the newly appointed EU high representative, has indicated that this meeting will provide a platform for member states to express their concerns directly to Israeli officials. This pivotal moment may lead to decisive action regarding human rights violations, reminiscent of the EU’s previous suspensions of agreements due to similar breaches elsewhere, such as with Syria in 2011.
Rights groups are calling for the EU to suspend talks with Israel due to its ongoing human rights violations. Advocates emphasize the need for accountability, urging sanctions on Israeli officials and a reconsideration of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement amidst continued settlement expansions. The upcoming Partnership Council meeting is seen as a critical moment for establishing EU policy on international law and human rights.
Human rights advocates are pressing the EU to confront Israeli violations more robustly as it approaches the Partnership Council meeting. There are urgent calls for accountability, the suspension of the partnership with Israel, and tangible actions that align with international law and human rights principles. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future of EU-Israel relations and the adherence to human rights commitments.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
