EU Document Warns Israel May Be Violating Human Rights Agreement, But No Sanctions Yet

Watan-The Guardian has published a report by its Brussels correspondent highlighting a leaked European Union document that states there are “indications” Israel is breaching its human rights obligations in Gaza under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement—but the document stops short of recommending immediate sanctions.

The confidential paper, to be presented Monday by the EU’s new foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, cites assessments by the International Court of Justice, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other UN bodies. However, it stresses that the conclusions do not represent an official judgment from any EU institution.

According to The Guardian, this warning is the result of a broader review of the 1995 EU-Israel Association Agreement, initiated by 17 EU member states last month—led by the Netherlands, traditionally a close Israeli ally.

The review was triggered by mounting evidence of Israel’s deadly blockade and bombing campaign in Gaza, which, since October 7, 2023, has killed over 55,600 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The near-daily killing of Palestinians seeking food has intensified scrutiny of whether Israel upholds “respect for human rights and democratic principles,” a foundational clause of its relationship with the EU.

Despite growing concern, diplomatic complexities—especially following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran—have made consensus difficult. Some EU governments remain hesitant to confront Israel too forcefully.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while reiterating Israel’s “right to self-defense,” has faced criticism for failing to address the humanitarian toll in Gaza.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement underpins a €68 billion trade relationship and includes Israel’s participation in the EU’s “Horizon” research funding program, from which Israel has received €831 million since 2021.

Over 100 civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged the EU to suspend the agreement. Their statement warned that a “weak or inconclusive review” would damage EU credibility and embolden Israeli war crimes.

Eve Geddie, head of Amnesty’s EU office, called the review “tragically late” and said Israeli forces have only grown more aggressive over time.

Separately, eight EU countries—led by Belgium—have written to Kallas urging a ban on trade involving goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements, in line with a 2023 ICJ advisory opinion.

The Guardian notes the EU’s internal division over Israel. Some countries like Spain and Ireland recognize Palestine, while others like Hungary and the Czech Republic are strong allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A turning point came last month when the Netherlands broke ranks and demanded a formal review of the EU-Israel agreement, following unprecedented pro-Palestinian protests in Dutch cities.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp argued that the Gaza blockade violates international law and the EU agreement. Surprisingly, several other nations backed the review, though no vote was held.

EU Divided on Sanctions as Calls Grow to Hold Israel Accountable

However, a full suspension of the agreement is unlikely, as it would require unanimous consent—something Hungary, the Czech Republic, or Germany could easily veto. A qualified majority could still suspend trade benefits or research funding, but even that remains uncertain.

Hildegard Bentele, a German conservative MEP and chair of the EU delegation to Israel, criticized the push to review the deal, arguing it would have no impact on the Israeli government and would reduce EU leverage.

By contrast, former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has openly criticized Europe for shirking its moral responsibilities. He urged using the agreement as leverage to demand compliance with international law.

The Guardian also notes that Hungary has blocked EU sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers—further illustrating the EU’s fractured foreign policy.

Kallas recently defended the EU’s lack of strong action by citing the challenge of securing a unified stance. “Sanctions require consensus,” she said. “And I represent 27 countries.”

She added that proposing sanctions doomed to fail would only highlight the EU’s internal division: “It might make me feel better to do something, but in reality, I know it won’t succeed.”