Khaberni - More than 350 former European officials, including ministers, ambassadors, and senior EU staff, called for the suspension of the partnership agreement signed with Israel, due to severe human rights violations against Palestinians.
An open letter signed by the officials on Wednesday stated that Israel continues its policies of "enslavement" and "illegal occupation" of Palestinian territories, noting the ongoing settlement, violence, and legislation targeting Palestinians, in addition to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The signatories, notably including the former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union and former President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell, emphasized that the Israeli government "violates the fundamental principles upon which the European Union is based," stressing that it remains "legally and morally responsible as an occupying power."
They pointed out that these violations directly contradict Article 2 of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel, which stipulates respect for human rights and democratic principles as the basis for bilateral relations. This agreement, signed in 1995 and entered into force in June 2000, serves as the legal framework governing the relations between the two parties and forms the basis of trade cooperation, with the European Union being Israel's primary trading partner.
The signatories held the European Union responsible for failing to take actions early on, demanding decisive steps amid the escalating disturbances in the Middle East and widespread violations of international law as stated in the message.
They noted that many members of the European Parliament had previously called for a similar stance, but these calls had not been met with a response, amid divisions among member states and political caution concerning imposing sanctions on Israel.
The signers criticized the European Union for not acting towards Israel, compared to measures taken against other parties, reflecting a "policy of double standards."
This call comes at a time when pressures are increasing within European political and human rights circles to review relations with Israel, given the rapid developments in the Palestinian territories.
