Palestine’s Ambassador to Austria Pressures EU to Suspend Israel Pact
(MENAFN) Palestine’s Ambassador to Austria, Salah Abdel Shafi, is urging the European Union to freeze its Association Agreement with Israel “until Israel complies with the terms of the agreement.”
In response to intensifying public outcry, the EU began reviewing the agreement on May 20, prompted by a formal request from the Netherlands. The review centers on potential breaches of human rights and international law.
Citing sources, which referenced a senior EU diplomat, reports indicate the EU’s External Action Service has found “indications” that Israel has breached its human rights commitments, particularly through its conduct in Gaza.
The next steps will be determined during the EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting set for July 15, where member states will weigh potential actions.
Alleged Violations of the Association Pact
Speaking to media, Ambassador Shafi welcomed the review process, calling it a necessary move and highlighting findings by the EU External Action Service that reportedly confirm Israel’s noncompliance with the terms of the agreement.
While expressing cautious optimism, Shafi stressed that the outcome will ultimately define the EU’s stance: “The European Union says that Israel has violated this agreement, and therefore our position is that the EU should suspend the Association Agreement with Israel until Israel complies with the terms of the agreement.”
He recalled that some EU countries had previously resisted suspending the pact during an earlier European Council meeting, stating: “We are still not fully satisfied with the results, and it is incomprehensible to us that a country's clear violation of its obligations is pointed out, yet the agreement is not suspended. This is again a matter of double standards.”
“Hunger as a Weapon of War”
Responding to EU member states who argue that diplomatic ties must be preserved to facilitate aid into Gaza, Shafi countered that maintaining the agreement has done little to improve humanitarian conditions.
He underscored the worsening crisis, especially among children: “People are still being shot at food distribution centers run by the Israeli army and American NGOs. We are not seeing any significant, positive, or meaningful change.”
“Hunger continues to be used as a weapon of war. That is why we believe the European Union has an obligation to suspend its agreement with Israel,” he added.
Pointing to rising anti-Israel sentiment across Europe and ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, Shafi concluded that EU governments must heed public demand for accountability.
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