Belgium, along with eight other member states, has sent a letter to the European High Representative Kaja Kallas requesting a “detailed analysis” of a ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding illegal Israeli settlements.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague issued a non-binding advisory opinion last summer regarding Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. According to the Court, that occupation is in violation of international law and Israel must withdraw from those regions.
The European Union has not acted on that advice, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot states. At his initiative, Belgium, together with Spain, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Slovenia, Portugal, and Poland, is urging Kallas in a letter for a “thorough analysis” of the advice. This analysis could potentially form a basis for European sanctions on products from those occupied areas.
On Monday, the foreign ministers will meet in Brussels to deliberate on their stance towards Israel. A report from Kallas is on the table, concluding that Israeli actions in Gaza are in violation of the fundamental principles of the EU-Israel association agreement, such as respect for human rights.
