EU Review Finds Israel Breached Human Rights Obligations in Gaza

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

BRUSSELS — A confidential European Union review has found compelling indications that Israel violated its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing military actions in Gaza and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid as key factors.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) concluded that Israel’s conduct during the ongoing war in Gaza—particularly its blockade of humanitarian assistance and military strikes on civilian infrastructure—suggests multiple violations of Article 2 of the Association Agreement.

According to EU diplomats on Friday, the review cites several grave issues, including:

• Military strikes on hospitals
• Forced displacement of Palestinian civilians
• Arbitrary detentions and mass arrests
• Settler violence and humanitarian obstruction

The report draws on evidence from international humanitarian and human rights organizations operating in the region.

The EU review was triggered by mounting outrage across Europe over Palestinian civilian deaths at aid distribution points and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Several EU nations, led by the Netherlands and supported by 16 others—including France, Spain, and Sweden—demanded a formal assessment of Israel’s adherence to the agreement’s human rights clause.

Conversely, a bloc of member states—including Germany, Italy, and Hungary—opposed the review, highlighting internal divisions within the EU on how to respond to the crisis.

Israel has firmly denied the allegations. “We reject the statement’s direction, which reflects a complete misunderstanding of the complex realities we face,” said a spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, blaming Hamas for provoking the war and prolonging the conflict.

Despite Israel’s objections, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has toughened her rhetoric, criticizing the “weaponization of humanitarian aid” and calling for a deeper reassessment of the EU’s diplomatic posture. “It’s painful to see people being killed while waiting for flour,” she remarked earlier this week.

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