Spain and Ireland urge EU to examine Israel's human rights responsibilities in Gaza

- Spain and Ireland have approached the European Commission to reassess their relationship with Israel immediately - declared Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday. The trigger is Tel Aviv's preparedness to initiate an offensive in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians reside.

In a letter obtained by the Spanish and Irish newspapers ("Irish Times" and "El Pais"), the administrations of both countries urge the EU for an urgent examination of whether Tel Aviv is meeting its responsibilities, including those originating from the Association Agreement between Israel and the European Union. This agreement stipulates that respect for human rights and democratic principles constitutes a crucial relationship element.

In a letter addressed to the head of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen, the prime ministers of both countries express their "profound concern" and allude to "widespread worries", suggesting that Israel might be infringing international humanitarian law and human rights.

"The terrifying terroristic attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other militant groups do not justify and cannot legitimise any transgressions of international humanitarian law," the letter emphasises. If the EC affirms that violations by Israel have occurred, it should propose "appropriate measures" to the European Council.

"This step mirrors Europe's growing exasperation with the rising humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip and for the first time - albeit indirectly - hints at the likelihood of implementing economic sanctions", comments "The Times of Israel".

Source: "The Times of Israel", Anadolu Agency