International Organizations Demand an End to EU-Israel Trade Relations
Protests against the genocide in Gaza, Brussels, Belgium, June 23, 2025. X/ @The_NewArab
June 23, 2025 Hour: 9:27 am
The EU-Israel Association Agreement is a ‘Pact of Shame,’ said a member of the Belgium-Palestine Association.
On Monday, dozens of European unions, human rights NGOs and other international organizations held a protest in Brussels, calling for an end to commercial relations between the European Union and Israel.
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“The consequences of these agreements are enormous because they provide clear support for Israel’s illegal occupation by sustaining economic trade with Israel,” said Dima Issa, coordinator of the pro-Palestinian organization Al-Haq Europe.
The demonstration took place outside the European Commission in the Belgian capital, coinciding with a meeting of EU foreign ministers who reviewed a report assessing the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a framework governing political dialogue and economic cooperation between the two.
The report, prepared by the European External Action Service (EEAS), found “indications” that Israel may be violating its human rights obligations under the agreement due to its actions in Gaza.
“In this review process, we want concrete measures implemented, as Israel’s crimes have been a clear violation of human rights—and they are well-documented. Now is the time for the EU and its member states to act,” Issa said, adding that all forms of military cooperation, research, exports and exchanges should cease.
Manon Maree, a member of the Belgium-Palestine Association, described the agreement as “the pact of shame,” arguing it makes Europe “Israel’s top trade partner during a genocide.”
“Both parties must respect human rights—that’s in the agreement. Yet Israel clearly disregards them, and the EU continues upholding the deal. That’s shameful. It’s also shameful that the EU hasn’t changed its relationship with Israel since the genocide began,” she said.
Protesters at the anti-genocide rally chanted slogans such as “Stop the genocide,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “One solution, revolution.” They waved Palestinian flags and scarves while holding signs with messages like “Gaza, don’t cry” and “Israel, stop acting with impunity.”
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE