EU divided over pact with Israel after Gaza rights review

Brussels [Belgium], June 24: A dispute has emerged among European Union member states over the bloc's relations with Israel, following the presentation of an internal review that found Israel's actions in Gaza may violate the terms of its trade agreement with the EU.
The report, outlined on Monday by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas during a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, questions whether Israel is still upholding the basic principles of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which came into force in 2000.
The agreement stipulates that relations between the parties are based on respect for human rights. According to the review, Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip - particularly restrictions on humanitarian aid - does not align with those principles.
EU ministers gathered in Brussels discussed how to respond to the findings, with several member states including Spain calling for the agreement to be suspended.
However, Germany, Israel's strongest European backer, voiced loud opposition to such a move.
"We need this association agreement and should not call it into question in any way," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said. "We need good relations with Israel," he added. "Israel is the democratic constitutional state in the Middle East." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune