Spain calls for immediate suspension of EU-Israel partnership

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on Friday for the immediate suspension of the European Union's partnership agreement with Israel over its alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip.

In his remarks before the Spanish Parliament, Sanchez criticized the Israeli occupation government, noting that its practices will remain in people's minds as one of the darkest chapters of the 21st century.

Sanchez confirmed that Spain and Ireland had asked the European Union in February 2024 to assess compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

He referred to the report issued by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, on the agreement on June 23, saying, "The report concluded that there is more than sufficient evidence that Israel has violated Article 2 of the agreement, which is based on respect for human rights."

He stressed that the European Union has not yet taken any steps against Israel, adding: "No one who tramples on the founding principles of the European Union and uses hunger (in Gaza) as a weapon to eliminate a legitimate state (Palestine) can be a partner of the European Union."

He added, "We cannot be complicit in the greatest genocide this century has witnessed by succumbing to indifference, hesitation, or political calculations."

The Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel was signed in Brussels on 20 November 1995 and entered into force on 1 June 2000, after being ratified by the parliaments of the EU member states, the European Parliament, and the Israeli Knesset. Article 2 of the Association Agreement stipulates that relations between the two parties are based on respect for human rights.