A 42bn-euro dilemma: What is stopping EU from holding Israel to account? | Crimes Against Humanity | Al Jazeera
Navigation menu Israel-Palestine conflict Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have mounted a renewed push to suspend the European Union’s trade and cooperation pact with Israel at a meeting of EU foreign ministers before being shot down by Germany and Italy, which vetoed the move. Despite growing calls to hold the Israeli government accountable for its actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Europe is deeply divided over its approach to Israel. “Today, Europe’s credibility is at stake,” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters before Tuesday’s meeting in Luxembourg. “I expect every European country to uphold what the International Court of Justice and the UN say on human rights and the defence of international law. Anything different would be a defeat for the European Union.” But German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Spain’s request “inappropriate”, saying any issues should instead be discussed in a “critical, constructive dialogue with Israel”.
Published: April 22, 2026 4:39 pm
Source: Al Jazeera — Read original