HRW calls on EU to take decisive action against Israeli’s occupation violations
WORLD, Feb. 25 (YPA) – The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and EU foreign ministers to unequivocally condemn Israel’s war crimes and other serious violations of international law during the EU-Israel Association Council meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on February 24, 2025.
“Kallas and EU foreign ministers should signal an end to the bloc’s reluctance to acknowledge and address Israel’s war crimes, crimes against humanity—including apartheid—and acts of genocide.” They should make clear to Sa’ar that there will be consequences for past and ongoing abuses, including sanctions on officials responsible for ongoing abuses and suspending weapons sales, HRW said in a statement issued on Monday.
“They should also announce a review of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, following Spain and Ireland’s February 2024 request to suspend it over Israel’s grave abuses.”
“There can be no business as usual with a government responsible for crimes against humanity, including apartheid, and acts of genocide, and whose sitting prime minister is wanted for atrocity crimes by the International Criminal Court,” said Claudio Francavilla, associate EU director at Human Rights Watch. “The only purpose of this Association Council meeting should be to call out those crimes and to announce long overdue measures in response.”
In a letter addressed to EU and member states’ leaders, 125 civil society organizations, including Human Rights Watch, urged the EU to focus its discussions with Sa’ar on the possible suspension of the agreement. Article 2 of the agreement sets human rights and democratic principles as “essential elements” of the treaty, the violation of which can lead to its suspension. The EU has never answered Spain and Ireland’s request.
Human Rights Watch has documented grave abuses by Israeli authorities and forces during the hostilities in Gaza and in the region, including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, including extermination, and acts of genocide.
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