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Brussels: On Wednesday, the European Union resolved to examine Article 2 of its 2000 trade pact with Israel. In its statement, the EU said that humanitarian values are important in all conflicts worldwide and need to be followed uniformly in all areas of conflict.

“Israel prevented humanitarian supplies from accessing Gaza for more than two months, even if we see signs of a limited resumption of relief. Food, medications, and other necessities are running low. The populace is in danger of being hungry. “The people of Gaza must get the help they sorely need,” the statement read.

This implies that Israel will be subject to penalties in the event that it is discovered to have violated its human rights commitments. However, for the time being, the EU is just attempting to increase pressure on Israel in the hopes that it would eventually let more assistance enter Gaza,” the statement said.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting in Brussels, Kallas said that a large majority of the bloc’s countries support this review and that pressure is required to alter the situation, according to Al Jazeera.
Only a few months ago, there was no agreement within the EU on the need to impose sanctions or exert pressure on Israel. However, according to Al Jazeera, they have been able to get greater traction in recent days in order to make a fresh effort and obtain this trade deal review.

The EU will meet again and determine its next course of action, which may include enforcing penalties if there is no improvement in the future and it believes the Israelis are using assistance as a weapon to carry on the slaughter in Gaza.

Although major nations like Germany claim that sanctions are off the table, there is a growing agreement that more vigorous action against Israel is necessary to avoid the EU being accused of abandoning the Palestinian people. As a result, this will remain a tricky job.

The EU statement was rebuffed by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which said that the “war was forced upon Israel by the Hamas.”

“Hamas is to blame for the prolonging of this conflict, which it imposed on Israel. The American offers of a truce and the release of the captives were repeatedly accepted by Israel. All of these recommendations were rejected by Hamas. In a post on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said, “We urge the EU to apply pressure where it belongs—on Hamas.”