Amnesty International Slams EUS Refusal to Suspend Israel agreement: “Disgraceful Betrayal”
brussels, Belgium – In a scathing rebuke, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, has condemned the European Union’s decision not to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. The move, which effectively allows preferential trade adn cooperation to continue, has been labeled a “cruel and unlawful betrayal” of the EU’s foundational principles and the human rights of Palestinians.
This will be remembered as one of the most disgraceful moments in the EU’s history.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General
callamard stated that European leaders missed a critical opportunity to take a principled stand against what she described as “Israel’s crimes,” including its actions in Gaza, its occupation of Palestinian territories, and its “system of apartheid.” She argued that the EU’s own review had clearly indicated Israel’s violations of human rights obligations under the Association Agreement.
“Instead of taking measures to stop it and prevent their own complicity, member states chose to maintain a preferential trade deal over respecting their international obligations and saving Palestinian lives,” Callamard asserted. She warned that this inaction sends a dangerous message to perpetrators of atrocity crimes, suggesting they will go unpunished and even be rewarded.
Amnesty International is now calling on individual EU member states to take unilateral action. this includes suspending all forms of cooperation with Israel that could contribute to grave violations of international law,implementing a extensive embargo on arms and surveillance equipment,and banning trade with and investment in Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Background: A Missed Opportunity
On July 15th, EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels to deliberate on the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.A range of options were presented, including full suspension, targeted suspensions of trade or research pillars, an arms embargo, sanctions on Israeli ministers, halting visa-free travel for Israeli citizens, and banning trade with settlements. However, none of these proposals garnered sufficient support among the member states during the meeting.
The institution emphasizes that international law supersedes both EU and national law, urging member states to act accordingly, even if it means proceeding as if the agreement were suspended.
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