EU Considers Sanctions on Israel Over Gaza Crisis, Citing Human Rights Violations

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

BRUSSELS — The European Union has signaled potential diplomatic and economic action against Israel if no concrete steps are taken to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and address settler violence in the West Bank, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Monday.

Speaking after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said the bloc had strong indications that Israel was breaching its human rights commitments under international law and the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

“It is very clear there have been violations of human rights. If no improvements are seen, we will revisit this issue in July,” Kallas stated. “The priority now is to stop the suffering and improve conditions for Palestinians on the ground.”

The foreign ministers reviewed a recent internal EU report highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and increasing violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The report, which cites data from UN agencies and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), raised concerns about Israel’s adherence to human rights clauses in its cooperation agreement with the EU.

Although 17 EU member states had previously demanded a review of the agreement over Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, opinions remained divided during the meeting.

Spain emerged as the strongest advocate for immediate action, calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and proposing an arms embargo on Israel.

“The EU must speak frankly with our Israeli partners. Continued violations must have consequences,” said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.

Meanwhile, Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden urged decisive steps but did not explicitly endorse suspension. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also acknowledged that Israel had violated Article 2 of the agreement, which mandates adherence to human rights, and noted that action would be considered in the next month’s ministerial session.

Countries including Germany, Greece, and Italy resisted calls to suspend the agreement. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized Italy’s ongoing dialogue with Israel and its efforts to support Palestinian refugees.

Hungary, a staunch supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposed even launching the review process.

The Israeli government responded angrily to the EU’s leaked review, denouncing it as “biased and one-sided.” A memo from Israel to the EU’s External Action Service claimed the report amplified anti-Israel sentiment and failed to recognize the complexities of the conflict.

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