Khaberni - More than 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and officials have called for the suspension of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel, due to the "systematic violations" of human rights against Palestinians.
A joint statement issued today, Wednesday, stated that Israel continued its "illegal" policies in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, pointing to the martyrdom of more than 73,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, alongside ongoing settlement expansion and annexation plans.
The signatories affirmed that Israel acts with "complete impunity," undermining the two-state solution, despite international recognition of the state of Palestine by the majority of United Nations member states. They also referred to attacks on Lebanon which resulted in hundreds of martyrs and extensive destruction.
The statement highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza due to restrictions on the entry of aid, and the obstruction of the work of "UNRWA" and humanitarian organizations, in addition to what it described as the failure of international initiatives to stop the attacks.
The signatories criticized recent Israeli legislation, including a law that allows the death penalty for Palestinians, considering it as reflecting "discriminatory policies" inconsistent with international law.
The statement emphasized that Israel's behavior violates the European Union’s core principles, especially regarding respect for human rights and the rule of law, and contravenes Article Two of the partnership agreement between the two sides.
The signatories called on the European Union to take immediate measures, including suspending the partnership agreement entirely or partially, banning trade with the settlements, stopping military cooperation, suspending Israel's participation in EU programs, imposing sanctions, and restricting visas for officials involved in violations.
They also demanded the establishment of a monitoring mechanism based on human rights standards, warning that non-compliance should lead to additional sanctions against the Israeli government.
The statement affirmed that the European Union must act urgently to hold Israel accountable, making this an essential part of its strategy in the region, in alignment with its values and principles.
