DaysofPal—Amnesty International has accused the European Union of committing a “cruel betrayal” and described its decision not to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement as an “unlawful step,” amid ongoing serious human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
In an official statement, the organization said the EU’s disregard for Article 2 of the agreement, which stipulates that cooperation must be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, constitutes de facto complicity in Israel’s persistent violations.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, signed in 1995 and in force since 2000, aims to strengthen political and economic cooperation between the two sides, with a clear commitment to fundamental values, especially human rights.
Amnesty International added: “Israel continues to carry out unlawful attacks on civilians in Gaza and maintains a suffocating blockade on the Strip, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law.” The organization stressed that maintaining political and economic ties without accountability undermines the EU’s credibility as a global advocate for human rights.
Other rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have joined the call for the EU to suspend the agreement. More than 30 members of the European Parliament have also demanded that the EU activate the agreement’s accountability clauses and condition any future cooperation on ending violations and full compliance with international law.
Amnesty concluded its statement by warning that continuing this partnership without conditions sends a dangerous message, that violations can go unpunished. “This is unacceptable in a world that claims to stand for justice and human rights,” the organization said.
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