Ireland and Spain have sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and urging the body to “undertake an urgent review” of whether Israel is complying with its obligations regarding human rights in the area. The letter, signed by Ireland’s premier, Leo Varadkar, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, said that if the Commission deems Israel is in breach of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, “which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship,” it should propose “appropriate measures” to the European Council to consider.
Quick Read
- Ireland and Spain have reached out to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing concern over the situation in Gaza and urging a review of Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
- The letter, penned by Ireland’s Leo Varadkar and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, suggests that if Israel is found in breach of the agreement, which emphasizes human rights and democratic principles, the European Council should consider appropriate measures.
- While condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 and acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the letter emphasizes the need for Israel to adhere to international human rights standards amid the rising death toll and devastation in Gaza.
- The two leaders echoed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ concerns regarding the extensive suffering, destruction, and trauma faced by civilians in Gaza, highlighting the unsafe conditions across the region.
The Associated Press has the story:
Ireland, Spain urge review if Israel complies with Gaza civilian protection norms
Newslooks- MADRID — (AP)
Ireland and Spain have sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and urging the body to “undertake an urgent review” of whether Israel is complying with its obligations regarding human rights in the area.
The letter, signed by Ireland’s premier, Leo Varadkar, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, said that if the Commission deems Israel is in breach of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, “which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship,” it should propose “appropriate measures” to the European Council to consider.
The letter underlines condemnation of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel’s right to defend itself but highlights surging death toll and devastation in Gaza. It said that Israel must respect international human rights.
The two leaders said they shared the concerns of the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres “about the appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma of civilians, and the risks to them given his view that nowhere in Gaza is safe.”
