BRUSSELS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Israel's actions in Gaza may have violated human rights obligations under the country's trade agreement with the European Union (EU), several media outlets reported on Friday, citing a confidential review by the EU's diplomatic service.
"There are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement," said the internal document compiled by the European External Action Service, which drew on verified findings from the United Nations, the International Court of Justice and other international bodies.
The agreement governing EU-Israel relations stipulates that bilateral ties must be based on "respect for human rights and democratic principles."
Israel's actions in Gaza -- including restrictions on humanitarian aid, attacks on medical infrastructure, the displacement of civilians and settler violence -- may contravene these obligations, Euronews reported, citing the leaked review.
"Israel's continued restrictions to the provision of food, medicines, medical equipment, and other vital supplies affect the entire population of Gaza present on the affected territory," the document was quoted by Reuters as saying.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said last month the bloc would examine whether Israel is complying with the terms of its association agreement, after a Dutch proposal for a review won support from a majority of EU foreign ministers.
Addressing lawmakers in the European Parliament on Wednesday, Kallas said, "Israel has the right to self-defense, but what we see in practice from Israel goes beyond self-defense."
Israel's conduct "undermines decades of humanitarian principles," Kallas added. ■
