Spain Demands EU Halt Israel Association Agreement Amid Human Rights Concerns
Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jos Manuel Albares, is urging the EU to immediately suspend the EU-Israel association agreement, citing concerns over human rights violations in Gaza. This comes amid growing European dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
The agreement, a cornerstone of the EU-Israel trade relationship since 1995, is valued at €68 billion, with the EU being Israel’s largest commercial partner. Albares argued that the agreement’s foundation on human rights necessitates an immediate suspension, emphasizing the urgent need for a European response to ongoing violations.
Spain’s demands reflect growing European unease over Israel’s actions, with the UK, France, and Netherlands also considering trade and arms restrictions. The move follows a leaked document indicating the EU may be breaching its human rights obligations under the agreement. The review was requested by 17 member states, including the Netherlands, amid growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The internal paper, prepared for EU foreign ministers, references assessments from the International Court of Justice, the UN human rights office, and other UN bodies. It notes that the findings do not represent a value judgment by European officials. Albares emphasized that the suspension would be a firm response to the situation, calling for an embargo on arms sales to Israel and sanctions against individuals obstructing a two-state solution.
Since the launch of Israel’s blockade and military campaign in Gaza, over 55,600 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to the enclave’s health ministry. Israel has also faced longstanding accusations of war crimes for obstructing humanitarian aid, including a total blockade imposed after the October 2023 attacks and ongoing restrictions on food, fuel, and medicine entering the enclave.