Petition response: EU-Israel Association Agreement and Foreign Affairs Council of 15/07/2025

Dear Petitioners,

In our relations with Israel, the EU considers that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey EU concerns. The Association Agreement with Israel is the legal basis of our ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance our point of view. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The EU has constantly reiterated its concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and has repeatedly urged Israel to improve it and to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. The EU has consistently underlined that Israel had the right to defend itself, but in line with international law, including international humanitarian law. Disproportionate use of force against civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable. The EU has been consistently clear about the utmost importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians, wherever they are. All lives have the same value and deserve the same dignity. Since 07 October 2023, the EU has provided over EUR 674 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestine, working with trusted partners to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

In 2025, in light of the catastrophic situation in Gaza, High Representative / Vice-President Kallas conducted – with the support of a majority of Member States - a review of Israel’s compliance with its obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The conclusion of the review was that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of its obligations.

Following the review, and in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as the worsening situation in the West Bank, President von der Leyen announced a set of proposed measures, including a reinforced package of sanctions and the suspension of certain trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The Commission has also put on hold its bilateral support to Israel, with the exception of support to civil society and Yad Vashem. Discussions continue in the Council on other measures which require approval by the EU Member States. At the Foreign Affairs Council of 11 May, Foreign Ministers reached political agreement on a third package of sanctions against extremist settlers and leading figures of Hamas. The package was adopted on 28 May 2026. 
The European Union is firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. We are ready to contribute to all efforts towards this solution, including through the Global Alliance, and call on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability.

Yours faithfully,

(e-signed)