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EU’s Kallas asks for review of bloc’s trade deal with Israel
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has ordered a review of the EU-Israel association agreement, a free trade deal. The move comes in the wake of Israel’s decision to block life-saving aid to Gaza leading to malnutrition deaths and looming famine.
“In the meantime, it is up to Israel to allow humanitarian aid. This decision is reversible and dependent on progress,” Kallas said. “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it’s a drop in the ocean. Aid must flow immediately, without disruption, and at scale, because this is what is needed,” said Kaja Kallas.
“I’ve made these points also in my talks with the Israelis. I’ve had talks with UN and regional leaders as well. Pressure is necessary to change the situation.
“It is clear from today’s discussion that there is a strong majority in favour of review of Article Two of our Association Agreement with Israel. So we will launch this exercise, and in the meantime, it is up to Israel to unblock the humanitarian aid. Saving lives must be our top priority.”
EU could struggle to find consensus on more serious steps against Israel
European Union leaders feel this is the moment to speak up. This is the moment to take action when it comes to the atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza. And this explains the change in the tone of the statements we’ve seen over the last 48 hours from many countries.
Portugal, Spain, Ireland, France, Nordic countries are saying Israel – if it does not allow aid into Gaza, if it does not stop the war in Gaza – will have to face repercussions, particularly a review of the trade agreement signed in 2000 with the EU, and the EU could also be imposing sanctions.
The only problem here is the decision-making process at the EU level should be made on the basis of consensus. It has to be unanimous. You have other countries such as Germany, Greece, Hungary and many others saying there’s no way to impose sanctions on Israel and the only way out of the crisis is to engage with the Israelis diplomatically.
Unless the EU manages to set aside those differences, it will be extremely difficult for it to move ahead with a stronger stance, such as the imposing of the sanctions or the review of the agreement.
But thousands of people who took to the streets across many capitals in Europe say unless Europe takes action, it will be a moral failure and will be seen as an act of betrayal for the Palestinian people who suffer daily relentless bombardment and whose future is uncertain.
The member states will have to sanction Israel themselves and first of all impose an arms embargo. There is zero chance Hungary is going to agree and a very small chance Germany will see reason.
