Spain Calls for EU Action on Israel Amidst Human Rights Concerns
In a significant development, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares have called on the European Union (EU) to suspend its trade agreement with Israel over alleged human rights violations in Gaza. The move, however, has met resistance within the bloc, revealing divisions on the issue.
Background and Context
The EU's trade relationship with Israel is facilitated through an association agreement signed in 1995, under which human rights are designated as an essential element
. This deal has been instrumental in shaping Israel's economy, with the EU accounting for roughly one-third of Israel's international trade. The trade between the two parties is estimated to be worth around €68 billion ($73 billion).
However, recent events have sparked a debate within the EU regarding this agreement. Reports from the United Nations and other international bodies have shed light on the catastrophic situation
in Gaza, where more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.
Spain's Stance and EU's Response
Prime Minister Sanchez has accused the EU of double standards, pointing out that while the bloc imposed 18 rounds of sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, it has failed to take similar action against Israel for its actions in Gaza. Foreign Minister Albares echoed this sentiment, calling for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement and a ban on arms sales to Israel.
Despite the strong calls from Spain, the EU's decision-making process requires unanimity on foreign policy issues, making it challenging for the bloc to take collective action. This has resulted in a lack of consensus within the EU, with some member states hesitant to take a hard stance against Israel, especially in the wake of recent tensions with Iran.
International Reactions and Implications
The EU's former chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, has urged the EU to take a more assertive stance on the issue, arguing that the bloc has a duty
to intervene and should not rely solely on the US. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli Defense Forces strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 34 Gazans, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
The Geneva branch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group founded by the United States and Israel, has also been under scrutiny. Swiss authorities have given the GHF 30 days to correct legal deficiencies in its registration or face possible court action. The group has faced criticism over its role in death traps using aid distribution in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while seeking food.
Conclusion
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the EU faces a critical decision on its stance towards Israel. While Spain leads the call for a suspension of the trade agreement and sanctions, unity within the bloc remains elusive. Therefore, the EU's response to the escalating crisis will not only have a significant impact on Israel's economy but could also set a precedent for the EU's future foreign policy decisions.