Ireland and Spain have written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip and urging Israel to comply with its human rights obligations under its trade agreements with the European Union. He called for an “urgent review” to determine whether the
The letter from Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also asks the European Commission for “appropriate measures” that can be taken if Israel is found to be in breach of its obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I’m asking you to make a suggestion.
The intervention comes amid fears that Israel will launch a ground invasion of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinian refugees have sought refuge from the ongoing war.
The Irish Times reported earlier this month that Ireland is seeking support from other EU member states to review its trade deal with Israel.
Mr Varadkar and Mr Sanchez wrote in their letter: “Against the risk of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe posed by the imminent threat of Israeli military operations in Rafah, and given what has happened and continues to happen in Gaza since October 2023, , including broader concerns about potential IHL violations. [International Humanitarian Law] We urge the European Commission to urgently review whether Israel is complying with its obligations, including those under the EU/Israel Association Agreement, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an integral part of the relationship. request that. ”
The letter added that the commission “will recommend appropriate action to the Commission if it believes there has been a violation.” [European] The council will consider it.”
The two leaders wrote that they were “deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and in particular the impact that the ongoing conflict is having on innocent Palestinians, especially children and women.”
They added: “The expansion of Israeli military operations in the Rafah region poses a serious and imminent threat that must be urgently confronted by the international community.”
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Leaders say the war has killed some 28,000 Palestinians, injured more than 67,000, displaced another 1.9 million, and caused “massive destruction of homes and critical buildings, including hospitals. There has been widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.
they write: “We reiterate our full condemnation of Hamas’ indiscriminate terrorist attack on October 7 and call for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages.
“It is equally clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against such attacks, but this can only be exercised under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
“The response must follow the principles of differentiation, proportionality and precaution.”
Varadkar and Sanchez write: “Importantly, IHL imposes a clear obligation on all parties to all conflicts to ensure the protection of civilians.
“Horrifying terrorist attacks by Hamas and other armed groups do not and cannot justify violations of IHL in military responses with consequences for civilians in Gaza.”
They also said, “A woefully inadequate humanitarian access to meet the population’s needs means that 90 percent of the population faces severe food insecurity and is at serious risk of starvation.” “This means that it is estimated that
The two leaders acknowledged the binding provisional measures imposed by the International Court of Justice on January 26 in the South Africa v. Israel case and the recognition that at least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa were committed by Israel. We take note of the court’s assessment of the matter.” It argued that the incident in Gaza could fall under the provisions of the Genocide Convention, and that there was a risk that the rights at issue in the case would be irreparably violated.
“We have made clear our view that a humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent further irreparable harm to the Gaza population. It was supported by a majority of EU member states, including “EU member states. ”
Mr Varadkar and Mr Sanchez have expressed concern over allegations that staff from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which helps Palestinian refugees, may have been involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.
“We fully support the decision of the UNRWA Director.” [Philippe] Mr Lazzarini called for the immediate termination of the contracts of those involved and for the United Nations to launch a comprehensive independent investigation. ”
“At the same time, UNRWA must be allowed to operate and EU support for UNRWA must be maintained to continue its vital work to save lives and address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We have also made it clear that this will not happen.”
The two leaders also wrote: “Finally, we must not lose sight of the urgent need for a political perspective to end the conflict.
“Implementing a two-state solution is the only way to ensure that this cycle of violence does not repeat itself.
“The EU has a responsibility to take action to make this happen, as agreed by the European Council on 26 October, in cooperation with States Parties and the international community, including through the International Peace Conference.”
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