The European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said today the EU’s trade agreement with “Israel” would be reviewed amid the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza.
Kallas said, at the end of a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, there is a strong majority in favor of reviewing Article 2 (on respect for human rights) of the partnership agreement with “Israel”, affirming that the EU will proceed with this.
She affirmed that a strong majority of EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels preferred the review of the agreement with “Israel” in the light of events in Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that “Israel” has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it’s a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without obstruction and at scale, because this is what is needed,” Kallas said.
Kallas said EU sanctions on violent Israeli colonizers were ready, but that one member state had so far blocked them, without naming the country.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot welcomed the EU decision and said 17 out of the 27 member states had backed the move.
On Monday, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada warned that they will take further concrete measures if Israel does not cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the three leaders said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, UK announced new sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers, illegal outposts and organizations that have supported violence in the occupied West Bank.
The UK also announced the formal pause of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel.
Meanwhile, Reuters quoted British Foreign Secretary David Lammy as saying that he summoned the Israeli ambassador to inform him of the decision, due to Israel’s expansion of its military attacks in Gaza.
Since March 2, the Israeli occupation has closed the Gaza Strip’s crossings to the entry of food, relief, medical aid, and goods, causing a significant deterioration in the humanitarian situation of citizens.
