The European Union hints at the possibility of suspending the partnership agreement with Israel
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas hinted at the possibility of suspending the association agreement with Israel.
Speaking during a session of the European Parliament’s General Assembly on Tuesday, Kallas said that Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip violate international law and that the European Union will announce the results of its investigation into the matter on June 23, which could lead to the suspension of the partnership agreement with Tel Aviv.
She explained that Israel’s use of force in Gaza, its continued killing of civilians, and its targeting of civilian infrastructure go beyond self-defense.
She stressed that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be justified under international humanitarian law.
Kallas noted that EU foreign ministers decided to place the partnership agreement with Israel under review, based on a proposal from the Netherlands, at their meeting on May 20, stressing that this decision was taken by a majority of member states.
She added, “Article 2 of the Partnership Agreement imposes obligations on the parties to respect human rights… In this context, the investigation continues, and I will present the results to the foreign ministers on June 23”.
Suspending the partnership with Israel requires a qualified majority of 15 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population.
