Los Foreign Ministers of the European Union have refused Tuesday to take Measures against the Israel government for the violations of the Human Rights and International Law In Gaza, that the European Commission itself confirmed in a report, grabbing a possible improvement of the situation in the strip After an agreement with Israel.
Still without having consensus within the EU to take measures against Israel. Although Brussels had raised the tone in recent months against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu by the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza and that seventeen countries asked A review of the Association Agreement which ended in a report that confirms the violations of international law.
Last week, The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallasreached an agreement with the Netanyahu government. In a statement Kallas assured that Israel had committed to an “substantial” increase in aid Humanitarian in Gaza. Also a reopen several border pointsand restore water and electricity supply. This commitment has been enough, for the moment, to stop Europeans.
“Positive signs”
Since that agreement was reached, dozens of Palestinians have been killed while trying to access humanitarian aid and information on compliance with it are contradictory. “We see positive signs, We see more trucks, more supplies that arrive in Gaza, More entry points are opening, we see that the electric lines are being repaired, but Israel has to take more concrete steps To improve the humanitarian situation on the field, “Kallas acknowledged at a press conference after meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the twenty -seven.
“The EU The way in which Israel applies this understanding will follow closely Common and the commitments, and will update compliance every two weeks, “said the Estonia at a press conference, after meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the twenty -seven. The EU demands a “tangible” improvement of the situationand maintains All table options.
Pressure to Israel
The European Council urged the ministers last June to The debate on possible actions will continue “Taking into account the evolution of the situation on the ground.” This Monday, Kallas has presented a battery of possible measures to be taken, From the suspension of the agreement to sectoral measures in specific areas such as trade, or sanctions to members of the Netanyahu government.
However, for now, None has the support of sufficient countries. Kallas has assured in any case that “will keep the options on the table and will take measures if Israel does not meet its commitments“And do it, understand, It should serve as “guarantee” that the Israeli government complies with the agreed. The goal, he said, is not “punishing” Israel, but Improve the situation in Gaza.
Excuses
Some countries, such as España, Slovenia, Irelandremain firm in position and regret that no measures are taken. Upon arrival at the meeting Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albaresstressed that although Spain “looks with hope” that agreement, wants to see that it is really fulfilled. But this, has insisted the head of Foreign, cannot make us forget that “This war has to end and the Israeli army has to withdraw”.
In this context, according to sources from the Foreign Ministry, Albares has once again defended the need for its European counterparts suspend the agreement with Israel, impose an embargo on weapons and sanctions to those who hinder the solution of two states. “It’s almost A matter of life or death For the Palestinians in Gaza, but also Europe’s dignity is at stake”, Said the minister.
He Irish Foreign Minister, Thomas Byrnehe has recognized that there are still many countries at the Table of the Council “that they do not agree to take more measures.” Byrne has advocated Continue increasing the pressure on Israel. His Slovena colleague, Tanja Fajon, He regretted that there is no consensus in the EU to act against Israel. The agreement to increase the entry of humanitarian aid, has said, “It cannot be an excuse for inaction.”
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