00:00The European Union remains divided over whether to impose sanctions on Israel,
00:04despite growing criticism from some member states over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
00:10Germany and Italy have blocked a proposal to suspend the EU's association agreement with Israel,
00:16preventing any unified action by the bloc.
00:20Spain, Slovenia and Ireland are pushing for the agreement to be reviewed,
00:25arguing that Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank violate international law and human rights obligations.
00:32Supporters of the move also say the EU can no longer remain on the sidelines as conditions worsen across the
00:39Middle East.
00:40But German Foreign Minister Johan Wetterpull deemed the proposal as inappropriate, saying further dialogue is needed.
00:47EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kalas says a partial suspension of the agreement remains on the table.
00:55Under EU rules, a full suspension requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states,
01:01while a partial suspension needs a weighted majority,
01:04meaning positions from key countries like Germany or Italy would have to change.
Comments