On Saturday, the European Union EU stated that Israel has no sovereignty over the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, emphasizing that this is the EU’s firm and consistent position on this issue.
The EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič highlighted the exclusion of goods produced in the Israeli settlements from the EU’s trade preferences.
Šefčovič noted that discussions are ongoing within the Council regarding the implications of the advisory opinion and potential further measures to uphold international law.
The advisory opinion refers to the decision issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestine to be illegal under international law.
The advisory opinion reaffirmed the obligation of EU states to refrain from engaging in economic or commercial transactions with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to international humanitarian law in response to its position on the genocide in Palestine.
She emphasized the EU’s ongoing focus on protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Kaja Kallas noted that decisions regarding arms export restrictions or sanctions fall under the authority of individual member states and the Council.
She also highlighted the steps taken by the European Union to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers.
The Palestine Mission to the European Union welcomed these responses, describing them as a ‘step forward.’, emphasizing its commitment to working with partners to turn these responses into concrete measures that promote justice and uphold human rights for the Palestinian people.
For the 456th consecutive day, the Israeli occupation forces have been committing crimes and genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip, alongside the imposition of a total siege, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid and targeting civilians.
In the West Bank and Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation forces have accelerated settlement construction, particularly in areas classified as ‘C,’ in preparation for the annexation of the West Bank and the Judaization of Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, new Israeli restrictions have been imposed on Palestinian construction in areas classified as ‘B.
Extremist settlers have intensified their daily attacks on Palestinian civilians, their properties, and various facilities, with the full protection of the occupation forces.
