Brussels: The second-largest political group in the European Parliament staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding the suspension of the EU's partnership agreement with Israel. Members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S and D) gathered inside the European Parliament building in Brussels, displaying signs that read 'Suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement Now!' as they called for stronger action from EU institutions concerning developments in the Middle East.

According to Anadolu Agency, the protest was accompanied by a statement from the group urging the European Council to suspend the EU-Israel association agreement. The group emphasized their stance by sharing a photo from the protest on the US social media platform X, advocating for immediate sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank. They also highlighted the creation of a Palestinian State as a critical priority for the EU, beginning with the reconstruction of Gaza, and called for Israel to halt military operations in Lebanon.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, operational since 2000, establishes the framework for political dialogue, trade, and cooperation between the EU and Israel. Recent issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza and alleged illegal land grabs in the West Bank, have prompted questions within the EU about the preferential treatment afforded to Israel under this agreement.