The European Union is facing internal divisions over how to respond to mounting concerns about Israeli violations of human rights in Gaza and the West Bank, following a report by the EU’s diplomatic service as seen by Reuters, pointed to potential breaches of international obligations by Israel.
At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced she would formally raise the findings with the Israeli government. The report, cites denials of humanitarian aid, attacks on medical facilities, widespread displacement, and settler violence.
An Israeli aircraft fires a flare, in Gaza City, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
“It is very clear that Israel has breached its human rights commitments in Gaza and the West Bank,” Kallas said, adding that the EU’s goal is to improve the situation on the ground rather than to punish Israel. “Our first goal is to help humanitarian aid get in.”
The review comes under the framework of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a trade and cooperation pact that has governed relations between the two parties since 2000. Article 2 of the agreement stipulates that the relationship must be based on “respect for human rights and democratic principles.”
Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Gaza City, June 21, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Fragmented Response
The report has triggered a sharp divide among EU member states. Spain has led calls for a suspension of the Association Agreement and urged the imposition of an arms embargo and targeted sanctions against individuals obstructing a two-state solution.
“This is the time for action,” Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said, emphasizing that the EU must speak frankly to its “friend” Israel.
Other countries, including Belgium, Ireland, and Sweden, expressed support for taking concrete measures, though stopped short of endorsing a suspension of the agreement.
As reported by the Guardian, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed concerns over Israel’s conduct, stating that Israel had “clearly violated” Article 2 of the agreement and that ministers would “draw the consequences” next month if no improvement is seen.
FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators hold a banner as they protest against conditions in Gaza and demand to impose sanctions against Israel and against arms shipments in front of the Reichstag building, the seat of the lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, June 21, 2025. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo
In stark contrast, Germany, Greece, and Italy opposed any move to suspend the pact. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cited his country’s ongoing dialogue with Israel and its role in hosting Palestinian refugees as reasons for caution.
Hungary, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposed even launching the review process, underlining the depth of the bloc’s internal divisions.
Israel swiftly rejected the EU’s findings, calling the report a “moral and methodological failure” and accusing the EU of relying on biased sources. A memo sent by Israel’s foreign ministry to EU officials described the document as “a biased and extremely one-sided summary of many anti-Israeli voices.”
Kallas said the situation would be reassessed in July if no progress is made.
At the same time, protests have been erupting across the globe, with demonstrators calling for an immediate end to the violence and greater accountability for alleged human rights abuses.
People participate in a “March to Gaza” protest during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S., June 21, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Up for Debate While Time is Running Out
The Association Agreement underpins a trade relationship worth €68 billion, making the EU Israel’s largest trading partner, with the bloc accounting for nearly one-third of Israel’s exports. While a full suspension requires unanimity, some components—such as Israel’s participation in the EU’s Horizon research program—could be restricted by a weighted majority.
Palestinians gather to receive aid supplies in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
As the EU debates next steps, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. Large crowds gathered around aid trucks in Beit Lahiya on Monday, desperate for food. Rights organizations have warned that every day of delay costs lives.
