Israel has firmly rejected the European Union's decision to review its trade and cooperation agreement in response to the country's intensified military offensive in Gaza. The announcement came from the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who indicated that the bloc would examine whether Israel has violated its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
In a statement on X, Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein dismissed Kallas' remarks, stating, “We completely reject the direction taken in the statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality Israel is facing.” He emphasized that the ongoing conflict was forced upon Israel by Hamas, asserting, “Hamas is the one responsible for its continuation.” Marmorstein cautioned that ignoring these realities and criticizing Israel only serves to strengthen Hamas' position.
He also expressed gratitude to nations that support Israel and affirmed the country's commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the EU and its member states.
International pressure on Israel has mounted following a nearly three-month blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, coupled with the ongoing military campaign. The EU's decision to review its agreement followed backing from 17 of the bloc's 27 foreign ministers, with the proposal initially tabled by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.
Nine member states, including Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, publicly supported the review ahead of the recent foreign ministers' meeting. Additional support came from Denmark, Estonia, Malta, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, while Austria did not voice opposition.
Kallas noted that there is a strong majority in favor of reviewing Article 2, urging Israel to increase humanitarian aid efforts. She described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, stating that while the aid allowed by Israel is welcomed, it remains insufficient and must flow immediately and at scale.
On the same day, the UK suspended trade talks with Israel, imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador, labeling the Gaza offensive as "intolerable." In response, Marmorstein condemned the sanctions as "unjustified and regrettable," stating that negotiations for a free trade agreement with the UK were not progressing.
