The views expressed in this statement may not represent those of all members
As EU leaders meet today and tomorrow to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and following the results of the Foreign Affairs Council of Monday, EuroMed Rights reiterates its call for justice and accountability. On Monday, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed its critical review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement amid escalating Israeli violations of international law. The review concludes that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations, enshrined in article 2 of its Association Agreement with the EU. The review comes at a time marked by Israel’s blatant disregard for the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, exemplified most recently by its unlawful attack against Iran, a clear violation of Article 2(4) and Article 51 of the UN Charter, constituting a crime of aggression. However, yesterday’s discussion has yet to yield any tangible results, as EU actions to counter Israel’s conduct are still to be materialised.
As Israel shifts international attention toward the regional conflict, it simultaneously intensifies its crimes against Palestinians. These include measures that amount to atrocity crimes, such as deliberate starvation by withholding aid in Gaza and expanded closures and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, to name a few. Reports from human rights organizations and media confirm escalating fatalities and severe humanitarian crises across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), facilitated by the unlawful and criminal occupation and apartheid regime imposed on millions of Palestinians.
This is why the EUs response, once and for all, must be entrenched in international law and its preservation, fighting off impunity on all flanks.
EuroMed Rights welcomes the EEAS’s recognition of Israel’s breach of the EU-Isarel Association Agreement, as Israel is not-compliant with its Article 2 but deeply regrets the continued absence of concrete measures. It is unacceptable for the EU and its member states to continue in their inaction regarding the ongoing crimes against Palestinians and Israel’s panoply of violations of international law.
This failure risks irreparable damage to the EU’s credibility and sends a grave message of impunity. Member States must shy away from any delay or ambiguity, clearly demonstrate their adherence to their international obligations, and take unequivocal action now to halt Israel’s violations and prevent further atrocities.
EuroMed Rights calls on EU Member States and the European Commission to fully uphold their international obligations, including those articulated in last week’s letter to the High Representative Kaja Kallas from the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, urging immediate, concrete measures to implement the July 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion and uphold the EU’s founding values. Ahead of the European Council meeting on 26 and 27 June, the compass towards justice and accountability rooted in the primacy of international law must guide the discussions, and actions, of the EU in the region.
EuroMed Rights reiterates that human rights and democratic principles are the foundation of EU external relations. Continued failure to act decisively undermines EU credibility, emboldens Israeli violations, and deepens the suffering of millions of Palestinians. The time for cautious rhetoric has ended; the EU must take immediate, courageous, and meaningful action.