HRC62 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with COI on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
62nd session
Interactive Dialogue with COI on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel
15 June 2026
EU Statement
Mr/Ms (Vice) President,
The EU thanks the members of the Commission of Inquiry for their presentation and takes note of the report on killings and acts causing bodily and mental harm by non-State actors in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, including by violent settlers, Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, notably Hamas, and other Palestinian armed groups and individuals operating in the occupied West Bank. We reiterate the need for Israel and all other countries to cooperate with relevant HRC mechanisms and mandate holders and fully respect their mandate and independence. The EU recalls its continuing support for the Commission of Inquiry and other relevant OHCHR mandates.
The EU recalls that all sides are bound by international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that Israel, as an occupying power, has the obligation to protect the population under occupation. The EU rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The EU supports unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank, including East Jerusalem under the Palestinian Authority in accordance with UNSCR 2735, and opposes any forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
We reiterate the need for the full implementation by all parties of the ceasefire and all other provisions of UNSCR 2803, including the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The EU recalls its condemnation of Hamas in the strongest terms.
The EU continues to stress the urgent need for the immediate removal of all restrictions to the access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, in accordance with humanitarian principles and IHL. The protected status under IHL of civilians,humanitarian aid workers, health and medical workers, and journalists and media personnel, which includes both international and local staff, must be respected. The EU recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders, which are legally binding, and takes note of its advisory opinions.
The EU also strongly condemns the increased settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and also strongly condemns Israel’s unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared to be unlawful. The EU calls on Israel to reverse the E1 settlement plan. The EU also strongly condemns terrorist attacks against Israel.
The EU is deeply concerned by the adoption of the Death Penalty Bill by the Israeli Parliament and the de facto discriminatory character of the law. We urge Israel to abide by its previous principled position and with its obligations under international law, as well as its commitment to democratic principles, as reflected in the provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The EU calls on Israel to reverse its decision regarding the NGO registration law. We underline the vital role of civil society, including humanitarian actors. The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the international criminal justice system, particularly to the International Criminal Court, as well as its commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the ICC’s independence and integrity.
The EU remains firmly committed to international law and to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders, and supports diplomatic efforts in this direction which are anchored in international law.