Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has called on the European Union to take immediate action against Israel by suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and imposing an arms embargo, citing grave concerns over human rights violations in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a key EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, Albares urged the bloc to uphold its foundational principles.

“This is the time for action, and if the Association Agreement is based on human rights, it’s the most normal thing that we suspend it immediately,” he said. “I will ask for the suspension of the Agreement, a weapons embargo, and sanctions against those obstructing the two-state solution.”

Albares criticized the EU’s inaction thus far, stating that any delay in addressing Israel’s violations would constitute a failure for the bloc.

The meeting comes as EU foreign ministers weigh whether Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza breaches the human rights clause of its trade agreement with the EU. A formal request to review the deal was initiated by the Netherlands and is supported by 17 of the 27 member states. Spain and Ireland had first raised the issue in early 2024.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon echoed Spain’s demands, emphasizing that the EU must hold Israel accountable for blocking humanitarian aid and violating international law. “Clear measures must be taken, including possible trade sanctions or freezing the agreement,” she said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also voiced concern, insisting that the crisis in Gaza should remain a priority for the EU: “People are suffering and we cannot just be bystanders.”

However, Germany and Italy signaled opposition to suspending the agreement, illustrating divisions within the bloc on how to respond to Israel’s actions.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, pressure is mounting on the EU to respond with decisive action in line with its human rights commitments. (ILKHA)