MEPs question Commission on Israel's disregard for international law

Brussels, May 2, 2024 - Several MEPs, including Francisco Guerreiro, are warning the European Commission about Israel's disregard for international law and the interim measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.


Read the question below:


Subject: Israel's disregard for international law and the interim measures ordered by the International Court of Justice
On Friday, January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent death, destruction and acts of genocide in its siege of more than 2 million people in Gaza, which has already caused the deaths of nearly 30,000 people, mostly women and children, in incessant air strikes and ground assaults.
In a statement, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stressed that the parties must respect the interim measures ordered by the ICJ.
However, in the 72 hours since the ruling, Israel has killed more than 500 Palestinians and continued to target civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. In addition, Israeli government ministers and legislators took part in a conference on January 28 in which they openly called for the illegal settlement and ethnic cleansing of Gaza. In short, the Israeli government has completely ignored the ICJ's decision.
1. How does the Commission intend to respond to Israel's immediate violations of the interim measures ordered by the ICJ?
2. How does the Commission justify the fact that the EU-Israel Association Agreement remains in force, given the violations of Article 2, according to which relations “shall be based on respect for democratic principles”?


Read the Commission's response below:

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