MADRID: The prime ministers of Spain and Ireland on Wednesday called on the European Commission to urgently investigate whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza.
The two leaders, who along with Belgium have been Europe’s most outspoken voices on Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip, said the Rafah attack posed a “grave and immediate threat that the international community must urgently confront.”
Spanish government officials said European countries were united around a stronger position and were confident that the European Commission would take more concrete action on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The official noted that Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo tweeted on Tuesday that the Rafah attack could cause an “unmitigated humanitarian catastrophe.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Verbock also said ahead of scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that an attack on Rafah would endanger the humanitarian situation there.
Spain and Ireland were the only countries to sign the letter, but the official said further support for the review of the deal was expected at next month’s European Council ministerial meeting.
Their intervention follows South Africa’s referral to the International Court of Justice on suspicions that Israel is committing genocide.
The European Commission confirmed receipt of the letter.
An EU spokesperson said: “When it comes to Israel, we urge all parties to respect international law and note that respect is necessary and there must be accountability for violations of international law.” .
Two weeks ago, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he was consulting with other EU heads of government to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, saying Israel may be in breach of the treaty’s human rights provisions. Stated.
The 23-year-old agreement sets out a framework for free trade in goods, services and capital, based on “respect for human rights and democratic principles”. Mr Varadkar said several EU countries were also discussing the possibility of joint recognition of a Palestinian state.
Published at Dawn on February 15, 2024