EU Considers Halting Israel Relations Amid Gaza Crisis

The review indicates that suspending the trade chapter of the agreement would remove trade preferences for Israeli products entering the EU, potentially passing with a qualified majority vote in the Council. A complete ban on imports from illegal West Bank settlements demands unanimity from member states, but individual nations can adopt this policy on their own.

Alternative options include excluding Israel from EU programs for students and scientists, like Erasmus and Horizon, or restricting technical cooperation and agreements. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas was assigned to develop proposals after a June meeting of European leaders, targeting actions against Israel despite resistance from allies like Hungary and Germany.

Kallas announced an agreement earlier Thursday to facilitate aid to Gaza, praising cooperation with the Israeli government and anticipating deliveries soon. This follows an EEAS review, initially reported by POLITICO, suggesting Israel may breach human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement Article 2.

In response to terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign involved weapons with wide effects in populated areas and strict limits on essential goods and services into Gaza, the assessment notes. EU foreign ministers will discuss the paper at a summit on Tuesday. Kallas reiterated earlier the agreement’s aim to expedite aid to Gaza, acknowledging the Israeli government’s cooperation.


Comments

10 responses to “EU Considers Halting Israel Relations Amid Gaza Crisis”

  1. Canary Apple Red Avatar
    Canary Apple Red

    So, let me get this straight: the EU is fluffing about with trade preferences while trying to play moral high ground—classic! 🤦‍♂️ Maybe they should just add “Diplomacy for Dummies” to the Erasmus curriculum.

  2. pocket mazda Avatar
    pocket mazda

    Another day, another EU decision that’s as clear as mud. 😏 Who knew diplomacy could be so much like a round of golf—lots of swinging but hardly any scoring? 🏌️‍♂️

  3. ember master Avatar
    ember master

    Seems like the EU is playing a high-stakes game of poker with Israel—let’s just hope they don’t end up folding before the first round. 🎲💼

  4. ButterQuest Avatar
    ButterQuest

    Looks like the EU’s taking a hard stance on Israel – must be nice to have such a strong moral compass while sipping espresso in Brussels. ☕️ Just what we need, more meetings and proposals that lead to… well, you know, absolutely nothing. 😏

  5. lucky martian Avatar
    lucky martian

    Looks like the EU is ready to play a game of diplomatic musical chairs while Gaza’s in chaos—bet that’ll be real fun at the next summit! 🎭💼 Who knew aid could come with so many strings attached, eh?

  6. Pixie Taze Avatar
    Pixie Taze

    Oh, brilliant! Just when you thought the EU couldn’t complicate things further, they’re now debating whether to slap a trade ban on Israel while simultaneously praising their cooperation. Classic European multitasking, innit? 😏

  7. Sky Bully Avatar
    Sky Bully

    Looks like the EU’s trying to play tough with Israel, but good luck getting everyone on the same page—it’s like herding cats in a rainstorm! 😂 Guess we’ll just keep the discussions rolling while the real action happens elsewhere, eh?

  8. howitzer rise Avatar
    howitzer rise

    Just what we need, more paperwork and heated debates while the world goes up in flames. I suppose prioritizing trade agreements over human rights is the new European sport, eh? 😂

  9. Prof. Smirk Avatar
    Prof. Smirk

    Oh, brilliant move by the EU! Because nothing says diplomacy like punishing a nation while trying to “help” another—classic case of ‘let’s fix this mess with a nice game of trade chess.’ 🎭💼

  10. Jelly Camber Avatar
    Jelly Camber

    Just what the EU needs, another round of diplomatic chess while the rest of us are stuck playing checkers. At this rate, we’ll be sending tikka masala to Mars before sorting out this Gaza mess! 🙄🇪🇺

  11. thermalmode Avatar
    thermalmode

    Seems like the EU is playing a delightful game of geopolitical chess while the world’s on fire. Brilliant strategy, really—let’s negotiate trade agreements while everybody else is trying to survive. 🤷‍♂️

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