Vienna: Palestine's Ambassador to Austria Salah Abdel Shafi has called on the European Union (EU) to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel, arguing that Israel has not complied with the terms of the agreement. The demand comes amidst increasing public pressure and scrutiny over Israel's actions in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, the EU launched a review of the pact on May 20 at the request of the Netherlands, focusing on human rights and international law concerns. Media reports, including Euronews, have cited a senior EU diplomat stating that the review conducted by the EU's External Action Service has found indications of Israeli violations of human rights obligations. Member states are expected to decide the EU's course of action at the EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for July 15.

Sharing his views with Anadolu on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, Ambassador Shafi described the review as a positive step, highlighting a report by the EU External Action Service that suggests Israel violated the agreement. He emphasized the importance of the review's outcome, stating, "The European Union says that Israel has violated this agreement, and therefore our position is that the EU should suspend the Association Agreement with Israel until Israel complies with the terms of the agreement."

Shafi expressed frustration over some countries' opposition to suspending the agreement, recalling discussions at the European Council meeting of foreign ministers. He remarked, "We are still not fully satisfied with the results, and it is incomprehensible to us that a country's clear violation of its obligations is pointed out, yet the agreement is not suspended. This is again a matter of double standards."

Regarding arguments from EU countries opposing the suspension, Shafi criticized the notion of keeping communication channels open with Israel for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. He noted the lack of increased humanitarian aid flow to Gaza and highlighted the dire situation, stating, "People are still being shot at food distribution centers run by the Israeli army and American NGOs. We are not seeing any significant, positive, or meaningful change."

The ambassador further stressed that "hunger continues to be used as a weapon of war" and urged the EU to suspend the agreement. He pointed to growing public opinion against Israel and protests across Europe in support of Palestine, asserting that elected governments must consider public sentiment.

Shafi also highlighted the documentation of atrocities in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, as the "best-documented genocide in history," broadcast live on television. He commended steps taken by some EU countries to recognize Palestine and impose sanctions on Israel, noting actions like the Spanish parliament's vote for an arms embargo and port workers' refusal to load ships bound for Israel.

He warned of potential accountability for countries involved in the arms trade with Israel, especially if the International Court of Justice rules affirmatively on the genocide case filed by South Africa. Shafi remarked that countries like Germany, the UK, and Italy could be implicated due to their roles as arms suppliers to Israel.

In conclusion, Shafi welcomed the recognition of Palestine by certain EU member countries, advocating for a two-state solution as a widely discussed resolution to the conflict.