Spain Calls for Immediate Suspension of the Partnership Agreement Between the European Union and Israel

SadaNews - On Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for an immediate suspension of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel in light of its commission of genocide in Gaza.

Sánchez criticized the Israeli occupation government in his statements before the Spanish Parliament, noting that its practices will remain in memory as one of the darkest chapters of the 21st century.

Sánchez confirmed that Spain and Ireland asked the European Union in February 2024 to evaluate the extent of compliance with the partnership agreement between the EU and Israel.

He referred to the report by the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, issued on June 23, which stated: "The report concluded that there is more than enough evidence that Israel violated Article 2 of the agreement, which is based on respecting human rights."

He affirmed that the European Union has not yet taken any steps against Israel, adding: "No one who tramples on the foundational principles of the European Union and uses hunger (in Gaza) as a weapon to eliminate a legitimate state (Palestine) can be a partner of the European Union."

He continued: "We cannot be partners in the largest genocide witnessed in this century by succumbing to indifference, hesitation, or political calculations."

The partnership agreement between the European Union and Israel was signed in Brussels on November 20, 1995, and came into effect on June 1, 2000, after being ratified by the parliaments of EU member states, the European Parliament, and the Israeli Knesset. Article 2 of the partnership agreement states that relations between the two parties are based on respect for human rights.