EU to revisit suspension of partnership with Israel over violations in Gaza

The EU will revisit the suspension of its partnership with Israel over human rights violations in Gaza, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kalas.

Kalas told reporters the EU may discuss further measures in July if Israel doesn't improve the situation in the enclave.

The review is very clear, and we have to improve the situation that, you know, Israel has been breaching the Article 2.

It is not intended to punish Israel, but to trigger concrete improvements for the people and the lives of people in Gaza.

Just a few days ago, Kallis presented the bloc's 27 member states' foreign ministers an eight-page review of the EU's association agreement with Israel.

The review detailed that there are indications that Israel is in breach of a clause in the agreement pertaining to a human rights obligation.

The violations include the blockage of humanitarian assistance, military strikes against hospitals and the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The review comes at a time of heightened regional tensions as Israel expanded its war to a new front with Iran.

Israel blasted the review in a letter from the foreign ministry seen by Euronews, adding that it should not be taken seriously or used as a basis for future action.

If the situation does not improve, Catalyst is free to explore options including suspending the agreement.

A complete suspension appears unlikely, however, as it would require all EU countries' unanimous approval.