Review to find Israel violated trade agreement with EU
A review into Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations, enshrined in its trade and political relations with the European Union, will be circulated to member states later today.
The review, which was ordered by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, is expected to find that Israel is in violation of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in its conduct of the Gaza war.
Article 2 of the agreement binds both parties to human rights and international humanitarian law.
Critics of Israel's treatment of the Palestinian population of Gaza have long argued that it is in breach of those obligations and that the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs trade, political and educational links, should be suspended, in whole or in part.
Ireland and Spain called for such a move in February last year. However, member states traditionally supportive of Israel, such Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, were opposed, meaning there was no consensus.
Last month the Dutch foreign minister - himself a former ambassador to Israel, and a long time supporter - revived the idea. It followed Israel's weeks-long humanitarian blockade of Gaza.
The Dutch proposal did garner majority support among national capitals and Ms Kallas ordered a review, which is expected to find that Israel is in violation of Article 2.
EU foreign ministers will address the review when they meet on Monday, and Ms Kallas will also brief EU leaders at their summit on Thursday.
However, in order to avoid bitter divisions, diplomats say member states could defer action against Israel for one month in the hope that it massively restore humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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