Brussels: Human Rights Watch has called on European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and EU foreign ministers to strongly denounce the atrocity crimes and serious breaches of international law committed by Israel. This appeal comes ahead of the EU-Israel Association Council meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, scheduled for February 24, 2025.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Human Rights Watch emphasized the need for the EU to break its silence on Israel’s alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, including apartheid, and acts of genocide. The organization urged that the EU make it clear to Sa’ar that there will be repercussions for past and ongoing violations, which could include imposing sanctions on officials responsible for these abuses and halting weapons sales to Israel.
Human Rights Watch also urged the EU to review Israel’s adherence to its human rights commitments under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This request follows Spain and Ireland’s February 2024 call to suspend the agreement over Israel’s severe human rights violations.
Claudio Francavilla, associate EU director at Human Rights Watch, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that there should be no normal diplomatic relations with a government accused of crimes against humanity and genocide, especially when the sitting prime minister is wanted by the International Criminal Court. Francavilla stressed that the upcoming Association Council meeting should focus on addressing these crimes and implementing necessary measures in response.
In a collective effort, 125 civil society organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have written to EU and member states’ leaders, urging them to discuss the potential suspension of the agreement with Sa’ar. Article 2 of the agreement emphasizes human rights and democratic principles as core elements, the violation of which could lead to its suspension. However, the EU has not yet responded to Spain and Ireland’s request.
Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses carried out by Israeli authorities and forces during conflicts in Gaza and the region, including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israeli authorities have disregarded three binding orders from the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide, in a case brought by South Africa for Israel’s alleged violation of the United Nations Genocide Convention.