The European Union’s decision to evaluate a trade pact with Israel in response to Israel’s conduct during the Gaza War has been condemned by the Israeli foreign ministry.
The European Union’s decision to review its extensive trade and cooperation agreement with Israel in response to its heightened offensive in Gaza has been rejected by Israel.
On Tuesday, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief of foreign policy, announced that the bloc would investigate whether Israel has violated its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which establishes the commercial and diplomatic relations between the two entities.
Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry, dismissed Kallas’ announcement in a statement that was posted on X late on Tuesday.
Marmorstein wrote on X, “We categorically reject the statement’s direction, which is indicative of a complete lack of comprehension of the intricate reality that Israel is currently confronted with.”
He underscored that Hamas is accountable for the ongoing conflict that was imposed upon Israel.
“Ignoring these realities and criticising Israel only serves to reinforce Hamas’ stance and motivates it to maintain its stance.”
Marmorstein also expressed gratitude to the nations that provided support to Israel during the discussion and reiterated Israel’s dedication to engaging in open dialogue with the EU and its member states.
The EU’s decision was made after the review was endorsed by 17 of the 27 foreign ministers of the bloc. The review was initiated by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp earlier this month.
In advance of Tuesday’s meeting of foreign ministers, the Dutch proposal had been publicly supported by nine member states: Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Diplomatic sources informed Euronews that Denmark, Estonia, Malta, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia also supported the review on Tuesday. According to another diplomat, Austria, which is a staunch supporter of Israel, refrained from expressing any opposition.
The sources also stated that Latvia was “neutral,” while Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Lithuania were against.
Kallas informed reporters in Brussels on Tuesday that there is a clear majority in favour of a review of Article 2 of our Association Agreement with Israel, as evidenced by the discussions that took place today. “We will initiate this review; in the interim, Israel is responsible for distributing additional humanitarian aid.”
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic.” Although Israel has permitted assistance to enter, it is a mere trickle in the ocean. Kallas further stated that aid must be disbursed immediately, without hindrance, and in large quantities, as this is precisely what is required.
The UK had suspended trade talks, imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador to discuss the “intolerable” offensive in Gaza earlier on Tuesday. It came after the leaders of the UK, France and Canada threatened “concrete actions” if Israel did not halt its campaign and aid lift restrictions.
Marmorstein criticised the sanctions against West Bank settlers as “unjust and regrettable” and stated that the UK was not making any progress in the free trade agreement negotiations.
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