WAM
21 Jun 2025, 18:50 GMT+10
BRUSSELS, 21st June, 2025 (WAM) -- A European document reviewed by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission has confirmed that Israel's actions justify the suspension of its partnership agreement with the European Union.
The eight-page document, classified as "limited circulation," was distributed by the EEAS to the embassies of EU member states in Brussels on Friday.
The document echoed statements by the United Nations, asserting that Israel is guilty of "indiscriminate attacks, starvation, torture, and apartheid" against Palestinians.
On page seven, the document concluded that "there are indications that Israel may be in violation of its human rights obligations" under a 25-year-old EU-Israel agreement, which currently provides Israel with annual trade benefits worth around 1 billion.
European sources in Brussels said, "The leaked EEAS document clearly shows that EU institutions are fully aware of what is happening in Gaza. They do not deny it, nor do they attempt to justify it in any convoluted manner."
They added, "If the European Union fails to take action based on the findings of this document, its credibility will be seriously undermined," as EU foreign ministers and leaders prepare to discuss follow-up measures in Brussels next week.
A previous report by the EU's foreign affairs service, conducted last November, cited alleged Israeli "war crimes" but did not result in any concrete action.
EU foreign ministers are expected to be briefed on the findings of the current document on Monday, although no decisions are anticipated due to a lack of consensus.
Meanwhile, the draft conclusions of the upcoming European Council summit, scheduled for Thursday, have left open the stance EU leaders may take on the review document regarding relations with Israel. The draft text merely notes that leaders have been "informed of it," rather than endorsing its recommendations more assertively.
Get a daily dose of Iraq Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Iraq Sun.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. government is preparing to revise its influential dietary advice, with a significant shift: dropping the...
ZURICH, Switzerland: The U.S. saw an extraordinary rise in wealth last year, with more than 1,000 people crossing into millionaire...
THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The city that prides itself on being a beacon of peace and justice—home to institutions like the International...
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Since taking office in December 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei has implemented sweeping austerity...
LEMBATA, Indonesia: Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted dramatically on June 18, generating substantial ash and smoke plumes....
MADRID, Spain: A routine oversight by Spain's power grid operator, REE, has been identified as the trigger behind the large-scale blackout...
WASHINGTON, DC - In a bid to defuse speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump says he will make his decision on whether to have the...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: As violence escalates between Iran and Israel, Tehran is turning to its Gulf neighbors to help broker a ceasefire —...
CALGARY, Alberta, Canada - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he is leaving the G7 summit after just one day, and after refusing...
SEOUL/LONDON: A wave of flight cancellations and diversions swept across the airline industry on June 13 after Israel launched strikes...
SANAA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Saturday that it would target U.S. ships if Washington attacks...
(250621) -- FARWANIYA GOVERNORATE, June 21, 2025 (Xinhua) -- People evacuated from Iran are welcomed at Kuwait International Airport...