The EU confirms: Israel is violating human rights in Gaza

Israel's actions at the Gaza Strip show a violation of the human rights provisions involved in the Association Agreement with the European Union, a highly anticipated review by the bloc's diplomatic service has revealed, citing a collection of findings by independent international organisations.

The violation stems from Israel's war in Gaza and the strict conditions applied for the distribution of humanitarian aid, which have sparked fear of widespread hunger among Palestinians living in the densely populated enclave.

It also covers the decades-long invasion of the West Coast by Israel, where settlers are involved in violent acts.

Europeans have reacted with shock and rage at reports of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army while waiting for supplies to the distribution sites.

It becomes known that the review was conducted by the European Foreign Action Service (EEAS) and was sent to member states under a restrictive format to avoid information flows.

“There are indicators that Israel violated its obligations for human rights under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement”, a senior diplomat said. Euronews, quoting the conclusions included in the document.

According to the diplomat, the review is about the blockade of humanitarian aid, military attacks against hospitals, the forced shift of the Palestinian population, mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, and the violence committed.

The violations are described as numerous and serious.

Last month, 17 countries led by the Netherlands sought to determine whether Israel was still sticking to Article 2 of the Association Agreement, which says bilateral relations “will be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles that guide their domestic and international policy and constitute an essential element of this” agreement.

Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden supported the Dutch call.

Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Lithuania were opposed, and Latvia took a <x0-neutral approach”.

Israel criticised the decision and called on Brussels to continue bilateral dialogue, Telegrafi conveys.

“We completely reject the direction taken in the declaration, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality Israel is facing, said a spokesman for Israel's foreign ministry in May.

This war was imposed on Israel by Hamas, and Hamas is the one responsible for its continuation. ”

The result of the review is reported to be discussed by ambassadors and later by the foreign ministers.

High Representative Kaya Kallas will personally inform EU leaders during a summit in Brussels on Thursday.

Otherwise, Kallas, who follows a thin line to keep all countries on the same line, has recently hardened her tone towards Israel and what she calls “armatim” of humanitarian aid.

It's very painful for me to see suffering”, Kallas said earlier this week.

When I hear 50 people were killed in line to get flour, it's painful, of course, I wonder what more we can do. ”

It will be up to member states to decide what action, if it does, the EU should take in response to critical findings.

Possible options include complete suspension of the agreement, which is very impossible, or the partial suspension of certain provisions related to free trade, research, technology, culture and political dialogue.

Some options will require the unanimous support of the 27 member states, while others will require a qualified majority, meaning at least 55% of countries representing at least 65% of the bloc's population.