The Netherlands came out with the initiative in response to Israel blocking humanitarian aid for Gaza. The review would be made under art. 2 of the association agreement with Israel. It reads: “Relations between the parties, as well as all the provisions of the contract itself, are based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which form the basis for their internal and international policy and constitute an important element of this contract.”
Kallas did not want to say when the proposals should be expected in this matter. “We start this exercise, and in the meantime I really hope that humanitarian aid will be unlocked and the situation will improve,” she emphasized.
Orban's government blocks sanctions
Unofficially, the diplomat of one of the member countries, who also in favor of the revision, said that everything indicates that the decision in this case requires unanimity among the capitals. “Our lawyers analyze it, but it looks like it,” the interlocutor in Brussels told PAP.
Meanwhile, Hungary blocked subsequent sanctions on Israeli settlers violating the laws of Palestinians on the west shore. – Sanctions are prepared, we had a discussion on this subject, but one of the member countries vetoed them – said Kallas.
The spokesman of the European Commission Anouar El Anouni also spoke about the required unanimity in terms of EU dialogue with Israel. He reminded that the previous head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell came out with the initiative to suspend the association council with Israel, but his proposal was rejected in November 2024.
Unlike the issue of support for Ukraine, member states do not have a common approach, which hinders to take initiatives in the Middle East.
