In a bold call to action, the chair of the Green party in the European Parliament, Terry Reintke, has urged a temporary suspension of the EU’s association agreement with Israel and further steps to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Reintke emphasized that the lives of thousands of people in Gaza are at risk due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the EU must not remain silent in the face of this crisis.
The Israeli government, Reintke argued, has both a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the people of Gaza have unfettered access to life-saving aid. The EU’s association agreement with Israel, which aims to facilitate close economic and political cooperation, is currently under review by EU foreign ministers in light of the situation in Gaza.
Reintke’s proposal for a temporary suspension of the agreement has been met with growing support from some European Green party partners, who have been pushing for a tougher stance against the Israeli government for months. While some German delegates within the party have been more cautious, Reintke’s call to action has underscored the urgent need for immediate action in the face of the Gaza crisis.