rki.news | Anadolu Agency
BRUSSELS, April 15: A group of 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials has called on the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel, citing alleged human rights violations in Palestinian territories.
In a joint statement, the signatories said that while global attention is diverted, the Israeli government has intensified its “illegal occupation policy” and human rights violations to an intolerable level.
They warned that violence has continued despite a nominal ceasefire and raised concerns over settlement expansion in the E1 corridor, which they said would split the West Bank and undermine a two-state solution.
The group also criticised Israeli legislation passed by the Knesset, alleging it introduces the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners while exempting Jewish Israelis, describing it as discriminatory.
The signatories argued that Israel is in breach of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Agreement, requiring respect for human rights as a condition of cooperation.
They urged the EU to suspend the agreement, halt trade with settlements, suspend military cooperation, and impose expanded sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals involved in alleged repression.
The statement also accused the EU of inconsistency, contrasting its approach toward Israel with sanctions on Russia, warning of “double standards” in international responses.