Supporting calls from Ireland and Spain, 78 MEPs representing a majority of political groups support amending the EU-Israel association agreement over Tel Aviv’s violations of human rights obligations in Gaza, according to a letter obtained. did. By Euractic.
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday (February 14) jointly called for an “urgent review” of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations under its trade deal with the European Union. The committee was asked to make the following recommendations: and appropriate measures that may be taken if Israel is found to be in violation.”
The letter, which was circulated among MPs for signature on Wednesday afternoon after the two countries’ requests became public, said: It also calls for the government to consider the matter. specifically.
The 78 EU MEPs, including only Spanish socialist Irache García Pérez, ensured the application of Article 2, which states that relations between the EU and Israel “shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles”. I’m thinking of making it.
It also calls on the European Commission to set out as soon as possible “appropriate measures to be taken” “to ensure the consistency of the EU’s external actions”.
However, the final decision regarding possible amendments to the Association Agreement rests with the EU Member States.
Israel signed an association agreement with the EU in 1995, but in protest of the EU’s decision to distinguish between Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the rest of Israel in all agreements, it signed an agreement based on this form in 2013. The next meeting was canceled.
“We fully condemn the heinous terrorist attack committed by Hamas on October 7th and reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages,” the letter continues.
“However, Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself can only be exercised within the scope of respect for international law,” the MEPs stressed.
“With more than 28,000 civilians (70% of them women and children) killed and nearly 2 million people displaced, Israel’s actions must adhere to the essential principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. “It is impossible to think that this is the case,” they conclude.
The majority of the signatories are Spanish and Irish parliamentarians, but they also represent the majority of political groups, including the center-right European People’s Party, the Socialist and Democratic Party (S&D), and the liberal Renew Europe Group and The Renew Europe. It also includes representatives from Belgium, Portugal and France. the left and the green party.
[Edited by Zoran Radosavljevic]
