Over 350 former EU officials call for suspension of EU–Israel Agreement in open letter
By Alpaslan Düven – London
More than 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials have signed an open letter urging the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel, citing alleged systematic violations of Palestinian human rights and breaches of international law.
The letter argues that Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, amount to serious and repeated violations of international legal norms. It claims that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 and accuses Israel of pursuing policies that deepen its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Signatories also point to continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, describing it as unlawful under international law, and warn that planned construction projects could further entrench territorial divisions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
The letter further criticises restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza, alleging that aid delivery has been obstructed, leaving civilians without sufficient food, medical supplies, and essential services. It also raises concerns about broader regional escalation, referencing Israeli military activity in Lebanon and its wider impact on civilian populations.
In addition, the authors condemn recent Israeli legislative proposals, including measures introducing the death penalty for certain terrorism-related offences, arguing that such policies reflect discriminatory legal practices.
Central to the appeal is Article 2 of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, which states that relations between the parties must be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles. The signatories argue that continued EU engagement with Israel is incompatible with these provisions.
The letter criticises what it describes as EU inaction, contrasting the bloc’s sanctions on other global actors with its response to Israel. It claims this inconsistency undermines the EU’s credibility in upholding international law.
The signatories call on EU institutions and member states to take several measures, including suspending the Association Agreement in whole or in part, banning trade with Israeli settlements, restricting military-related exports to Israel, and suspending Israel’s participation in EU programmes. They also propose expanded sanctions and visa bans on individuals implicated in alleged human rights violations, alongside the establishment of formal human rights benchmarks to guide future EU policy.
The appeal concludes by urging the EU to take a stronger role in enforcing international law and ensuring accountability, stating that continued division and inaction would weaken the bloc’s influence in the region.
