BRUSSELS: The European Union has initiated a formal review of its Association Agreement with Israel, invoking Article 2, which requires both parties to uphold human rights and democratic principles. The move comes in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip and its restrictions on humanitarian aid reaching the area.

Kaya Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced after the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels that there is a strong majority in favor of reviewing Article 2 of the agreement, which relates to respect for human rights, noting that 17 EU countries support the review.

The proposal to activate the review mechanism was tabled by the Netherlands. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp described the Israeli-imposed blockade on Gaza as a violation of international humanitarian law and urged the EU to examine Israel’s compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Belgium also weighed in, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost acknowledging the need to scrutinize Israel’s human rights record while noting the final call would rest with the European Commission.

The Commission is now tasked with determining whether Israel is in breach of the foundational values embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. These developments come as international criticism mounts, with the UK, France, and Canada all issuing strong condemnations of Israel’s actions in both Gaza and the West Bank.

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