Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar have called for an “urgent review” of the EU-Israel Association Agreement on trade over human rights in Gaza, at a time when Palestinians are concerned that Israel will soon launch a planned assault on the southern city of Rafah, the last refuge in Gaza, after ceasefire talks in Cairo ended inconclusively, reports Reuters.
“We are very concerned about the deterioration of the situation in Israel and Gaza,” the prime ministers said in a joint letter published on the Spanish government’s website.
The letter highlighted the increased threat posed by Israel’s expanded military operation in the Rafah area
and called for urgent intervention by international authorities. The letter also urged the release of the hostages and an immediate ceasefire.
The EU Commission confirmed receipt of the letter and called on all parties, in particular Israel, to respect international law and stressed that accountability must be taken in cases of violations of international law.
Two weeks ago, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar did say that he and other EU leaders would review the EU-Israel Association Agreement on the basis of Israel’s alleged violation of the agreement’s human rights clause.
The 23-year-old agreement focuses on free trade in goods, services and capital, emphasising “respect for human rights and democratic principles”, according to Reuters.
So far, only Spain and Ireland have publicly expressed their support for a review.
Varadkar has also mentioned discussions among EU countries on possible joint recognition of a Palestinian state. Ireland and Spain have voiced support for Palestinian rights and both have considered the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 28 000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-led health authorities, and thousands are said to be under the rubble. Israel has denied war crimes allegations, attributing its actions to the Hamas attack of the 7th of October, which killed 1 200 Israelis and led to 240 being taken hostage.
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