The EU is reviewing its Association Agreement with Israel, which addresses trade and political relations, following a request from most member countries. Kallas is to report on the review process on Monday. The agreement requires Israel to uphold human rights, a commitment questioned by a majority of EU nations.
“Every day this war continues, humanity slips further away. Enough is enough,” Kallas remarked, accusing Israel of a “disproportionate use of force” in attacking civilian infrastructure. She criticized the “unacceptable” increase in the death toll in Gaza.
Some EU lawmakers criticized Kallas for not calling the situation in Gaza “genocide.” “You’re refusing deliberately to use this term, Ms. Kallas,” said Manon Aubry, The Left co-chair. “We should act, protect, sanction, and get away from your complicity because you are complicit.”
In response to demands from lawmakers for sanctions on Israel, Kallas explained she couldn’t act as swiftly in language or actions due to representing 27 governments needing consensus.
“I know this will not go through, and then it will just show that we don’t have a common position,” she said. “And to all those who have spoken here, especially from countries with differing governmental views, I recommend you pressure your governments to change their position.”
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