EU leaders urge Brussels to reconsider Israel policy — RT World News

The European Commission must urgently reconsider whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, an economic agreement that forms the basis of relations between Brussels and West Jerusalem, the leaders of Ireland and Spain told European Commission President Ursula. Von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a letter on Wednesday.

“We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza, especially the impact of the ongoing conflict on innocent Palestinians, especially children and women.” Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote.

The Prime Ministers noted that although the FTA is essentially an association agreement between the EU and Israel, it is also… “It makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship.” If Brussels finds that these principles have been violated, it must propose so “Appropriate actions to be considered by the Council” The message stated.

To prevent further irreparable harm to the people of Gaza, there is an urgent need for an imminent humanitarian ceasefire.

He added, “Implementing the two-state solution is the only way to ensure that this cycle of violence will not be repeated.” They continue to insist that the EU did so “Responsibility to take action to make this a reality.”

They reiterated their condemnation of the Hamas raid and called for the release of the hostages it holds in Gaza, and Sanchez and Varadkar pointed to Israel's right to self-defense. “It can only be exercised in accordance with international law…[and] It must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.”

“The expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area constitutes a serious and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront.” They wrote in reference to the planned ground offensive that was widely condemned even by West Jerusalem allies, including leaders in the United States and Europe.

South Africa on Monday submitted an urgent request to the International Court of Justice to decide whether the planned Israeli attack on Rafah would constitute an attack on Rafah. “More imminent violation of Palestinian rights in Gaza.” Nearly a million Palestinians evacuated from other parts of the territories are taking refuge in the city, with nowhere left to flee within its borders, as the United Nations and international human rights defenders have warned.

Israel claimed that its attack on Rafah was necessary to eliminate Hamas, and insisted that the city was the city “The last stronghold” From the extremist group. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this week that a plan to protect civilians in Rafah was being formulated.

A European Commission spokesman acknowledged receiving the letter and stressed its necessity “Accountability for violations of international law” On both sides, insistence on Brussels “Deplores all the loss of civilian lives.”