The foreign ministers of the three countries sent a joint letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas. In the letter, they call for an urgent review of the Union's response and decisive action given the current situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Lebanon.
Concerns are being expressed about measures adopted by Israel, which are said to be contrary to human rights and violate international law.
A call to respect values
The EU is therefore called upon to take moral and political responsibility and stand up for its fundamental values. The foreign ministers called on the Union not to remain silent or passive in the face of such violations, stressing that this is important for the sake of consistency in its own principles and the preservation of its credibility.
The letter also recalls that the Israeli bill on the death penalty for Palestinians represents a grave violation of human rights and a step backwards in Israel's commitment to democratic principles, and further exacerbates the critical situation in the region.
All options on the table
While welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon, all parties are called upon to exercise restraint and responsibility in order to end the violence and attacks. Recalling the previous review of Israel's compliance with its obligations under Article 2 of the Association Agreement, the letter emphasizes that it was clearly established at that time that Tel Aviv was not fulfilling its human rights obligations.
The EU is therefore urged to review its response in light of the current situation, noting that strong and urgent measures are needed and that all options are on the table.
