EU to Review Trade With Israel Over Gaza

Urgent: Tell EU Leaders to Act on Gaza Before 15 July Meeting

On 15 July, the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council will gather for what could be a watershed moment in the bloc’s relationship with Israel.

At stake: whether Israel has violated its binding human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement (AA) amidst the spiraling humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

This is a critical window to pressure EU officials to act decisively.

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What’s at stake

The AA, which governs trade and political cooperation, includes an explicit human rights clause: Article 2 clearly states that relations “shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles,” which are “an essential element” of the pact.

Israel’s conduct in Gaza—marked by disproportionate attacks on civilians, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and restrictions on humanitarian aid—has rendered continued adherence to this agreement morally indefensible. For months, the EU has watched a crisis unfold without taking proportional action.

The meeting follows a significant development: a majority of EU foreign ministers, led by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, have backed a formal review of EU-Israel agreement in view of Article 2 which obliges Israel’s compliance with human rights – in light of Israel’s prolonged aid blockade and escalating military campaign. With more than €45 billion in annual trade at stake, the consequences are far-reaching—politically, economically, and morally.

This review concluded on June 23 that Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip indicate a breach of the human rights provisions contained in the AA with the European Union. Despite the damning conclusions the EU ministers did not act at the June meeting and postponed a decision about the trade agreement to the Council meeting of July 15th.

Our demands for 15 July

BystandersNoMore along with numerous other advocates in civil society is demanding that Europe act with clarity and courage to finally align its policies with its principles. At the heart of this call is a simple truth: Europe’s moral and legal credibility is at stake.

Our demands for the 15 July meeting are direct, urgent, and aligned with growing public pressure:

Humanitarian Aid Must Flow—Without Delay or Obstruction

Gaza’s 2.2 million residents face starvation, disease, and displacement at unprecedented levels. Any meaningful EU response must begin with immediate, unhindered humanitarian access. The EU must pressure Israel and all parties to open safe, reliable aid corridors, allowing the delivery of food, medicine, fuel, and shelter on a scale that matches the catastrophe. Crucially, this aid must not be politicized or obstructed, and UN agencies must be allowed to operate freely and independently.

Suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement

The most direct and principled response to Israel’s violations is the full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This would not only be a legal response to Israel’s breach of its human rights obligations, but a powerful moral signal: Europe will not reward states that flout international law. Continuing business-as-usual undermines the EU’s foundational values and alienates it from global public opinion.

Use Qualified Majority Voting to Break the Deadlock

Unanimity within the EU on foreign policy is often elusive—but that cannot be an excuse for inaction. BNM calls on the Council to employ qualified majority voting to impose targeted measures, including:

A ban on trade with Israeli settlements on the West Bank deemed illegal under international law
Excluding Israel from EU-funded research, technology, and academic programs

These steps are both legal and necessary to apply real pressure on the Israeli government.

Sanction War Criminals and Inciters

The EU must also adopt targeted sanctions against Israeli officials who incite violence or are responsible for war crimes—particularly extremist ministers like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. Upholding human rights means holding individuals accountable, not shielding them with diplomacy.

Enforce an Arms Embargo

The International Court of Justice has made clear that continued arms transfers contributing to civilian harm in Gaza may be unlawful. BNM urges an immediate, legally binding EU-wide arms embargo. Resistance from countries like Germany and Italy must end—Europe cannot preach human rights while fueling war.

National Leadership If EU Unity Fails

If consensus fails, individual EU states must lead. Ireland and Spain have already taken bold steps, including recognizing Palestinian statehood. Others must follow. Europe’s credibility depends not just on words, but on action.

As the 15 July meeting approaches, BNM’s message is clear: Europe must stop enabling grave abuses and start protecting Palestinian lives. The moment for principled leadership is now.

Please open in a new tab or download our email template and email EU decision-makers in your country. We have made a list of the Ministers whose vote is uncertain. You can edit the draft to suit your preferences. For information on who to contact, see list of email addresses, by country.