Amid the unconscionable and escalating atrocities being committed in Gaza, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) calls for the EU Commission to act on their assessment and findings of violations, and advance sanctions, including the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The urgency of the situation requires action. In addition to the EU External Action Service findings, there is already sufficient evidence by reliable international sources for the EU to conclude that article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which says cooperation is based on “respect for human rights and democratic principles”, is being violated. The trade agreement facilitated exports from Israel worth €15.9 billion last year.
The ETUC calls on the European Commission and the European External Action Service, responsible for verifying the compatibility of Benjamin Netanyahu's government policies with respect for fundamental rights, to propose sanctions and to use all tools available to bring about a permanent cease-fire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and a negotiated agreement between Israel and Palestine that results in a lasting and peaceful “two-state” solution.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“The time for vaguely-worded warnings is long gone. Politicians are not commentators, they are paid to take decisions.
"The EU is Israel’s number one trade partner. The EU Commission must take action now to stop the atrocities being committed in Gaza.”
Notes