Amnesty International denounces EU’s refusal to suspend trade pact with Israel

Amnesty International denounces EU’s refusal to suspend trade pact with Israel
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Amnesty International condemned the European Union’s decision not to suspend its preferential trade agreement with Israel, calling it a “cruel and unlawful betrayal” of international law and Palestinian human rights, Anadolu Agency reported. Agnes Callamard, Amnesty’s secretary general, criticized the EU for failing to uphold its values of justice, human rights, and opposition to authoritarianism.

During a meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers considered suspending the agreement or imposing sanctions such as trade suspension, arms embargo, and visa restrictions. However, none of these measures gained enough support to pass. Callamard accused European leaders of missing a vital opportunity to oppose Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, and apartheid policies.

Despite an EU review confirming Israel’s human rights violations, member states prioritized preserving the trade deal over their international obligations. Callamard described this as political cowardice and warned that EU inaction risks complicity in Israel’s crimes, sending a dangerous message that perpetrators will go unpunished and even rewarded.

She urged EU members to immediately suspend cooperation with Israel that enables violations, including imposing a comprehensive embargo on arms, surveillance technology, and banning trade linked to illegal settlements.