Brussels – Zaytoun News
The European Union has reiterated its unwavering stance of not recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
This reaffirmation came in response to two key questions raised by the Palestinian Mission to the European Union through Lene Bohnlein, Chair of the European Parliament’s Relations Committee with Palestine.
The questions focused on the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024. This landmark opinion declared Israel’s occupation of Palestine illegal under international law and emphasized states’ obligation to refrain from economic or trade dealings with settlements in the occupied territories.
EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič highlighted the exclusion of goods produced in settlements from EU trade preferences. He also noted ongoing discussions within the EU Council on the implications of the ICJ advisory opinion and the potential for further measures to uphold international law.
In her response concerning the EU’s position on alleged genocide in Palestine, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
She underscored the EU’s focus on protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian aid access. Kallas also emphasized that decisions on arms export restrictions or sanctions remain under the authority of member states and the EU Council. She outlined steps the EU has taken to impose sanctions on extremist settlers.
The Palestinian Mission to the EU welcomed these responses, describing them as a step forward. The mission vowed to continue working with partners to translate these commitments into concrete actions that promote justice and human rights for the Palestinian people.
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