Dublin, 14/03/2024: Today, a coalition of 206 European civil society groups, 20 of which were based in Ireland, submitted a letter to the EU Commission, the EU Council, and the European Parliament, calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of the violation of Human Rights by the State of Israel.
In January, in view of South Africa’s case alleging genocide against the Israeli government, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that some of the accusations indicate that genocide could be plausible in specific instances. The ICJ ordered the Israeli Government to take all measures within its power to prevent acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Coalition believes that the fact that the ICJ considered South Africa’s claims as ‘plausible’ and has issued provisional measures against the Israeli Government, then this should raise serious alarm bells in the EU. However, Israel’s economy continues to enjoy privileged access to the EU market through the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The Coalition believes that civil society should stand united in calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Agreement, and that it’s time for the EU to uphold its commitment to human rights and democratic principles and take concrete action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The coalition’s letter to the EU stresses that prior to the current hostilities, Palestinians have faced systematic rights violations, including land expropriation, forced evictions, property demolition and restrictions on movement, persisting since 1948.
John Colreavy of Comhlámh Trade Justice Group, one of the Irish Groups that signed the letter, stressed: “It is imperative that the EU demonstrates its commitment to human rights by suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and holding Israel accountable for its actions. What is currently happening in Gaza is the consequence of a political and moral failure of the international community to take any meaningful action to oblige the State of Israel to comply with the norms of international humanitarian law”. Colreavy concluded: “The EU’s economic influence necessitates immediate action to suspend the agreement, as permitted under international law. The EU Civil Society demands decisive steps to hold the Israeli Government accountable and halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The Suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement! full letter text and its 206 signatories, including 20 Irish organisations, can be seen .
Key information and documents:
- EU trade relations with Israel: Facts, figures and latest developments.
- The EU-Israel Association Agreement
- The European Council expressed its concerns over the blockade of the Gaza strip (prior to October 2023) and called on military operations to be proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law and for Israel to ease restrictions in the Gaza strip. See Israel/Palestine: Statement of the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments
- Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (“Genocide Convention”).
- The violation of the “essential elements” clauses enables the EU to terminate or suspend fully or partially the agreement, in accordance with Article 60 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
- Application Instituting Proceedings – The International Court of Justice
- On the 26th of January 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that the at least some of the accusations by South Africa that Israel is committing genocide are plausible.
- International Court of Justice Order On Provisional Measures In South Africa V. Israel.