This week, the European Foreign Affairs Council decided to review a broad trade and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Isreal in the wake of mounting atrocities, human rights abuses and evidence of serious violations of humanitarian law.
Article 2 of the EU’s Association Agreement states that relations “shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.”
Yesterday, the ETUC Executive Committee welcomed the council’s decision and called upon the European Commission to “take appropriate measures once the review of the agreement has been completed.” In a statement the ETUC said:
“This decision comes against a backdrop of Israel’s devastation of the Gaza Strip, resulting in deaths and destruction of infrastructure and buildings, and ongoing talks to deport the Gazan population….
“The EU must urgently act on the situation unfolding in Gaza and occupied Palestine. …There is sufficient evidence by reliable international sources for the EU to conclude that Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement is being violated.
“The ETUC reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire towards a negotiated agreement between Israel and Palestine that results in a lasting and peaceful ‘two-state’ solution, the opening of borders for humanitarian aid and full respect for international law. We condemn forced displacement, and we join the calls for the release of all hostages.
“The ETUC condemns all human rights violations across the world and stands in solidarity with workers and trade unions in all conflict areas. The ETUC and its affiliates will continue to pursue social justice and respect for international law as the basis for just and lasting peace.”
UNI General Secretary Christy Hoffman commented:
“I applaud the ETUC’s call for action and the step forward at the EU is welcome news. The world is on a knife’s edge as the threat of starvation looms in Gaza. We are watching this crisis unfold in real time, and while there has been strong rhetoric to condemn the blockade and many calls to end the egregious humanitarian crisis, this move represents a long overdue concrete action.”
See the ETUC Executive’s full statement here.