The European Union (EU) has condemned the recent sanctions placed by the United States on Palestinian non-governmental organizations, labeling them as “unfortunate and unfair.”
Anwar Al-Anouni, the spokesperson for the European Union, told Al Arabiya that these sanctions undermine the efforts of human rights advocates, who are essential in fostering societies and advancing democratic principles.
Al-Anouni also emphasized, “These individuals need safeguarding, and their rights honored.” Assaults or penalties directed at judges, such as those involving International Criminal Court judges or elected officials, are intolerable.
The spokesperson emphasized that all 27 EU member countries are aligned on the two-state solution, viewing it as the sole feasible route to peace. He stated that the European Union demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all captives, and urged Israel to remove all barriers obstructing the provision of humanitarian assistance. He also emphasized that the EU will maintain its backing for global initiatives focused on alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
It is notable that last Thursday, European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as equivalent to “genocide,” becoming the first high-ranking EU official to make this claim.
Israel firmly dismissed Ribera’s statements, claiming she was mirroring “Hamas’s propaganda.” Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated on the platform X: “We firmly denounce the unfounded assertions made by the Vice President.”
Rather than echoing Hamas’s language of genocide, she ought to have called for the release of hostages and urged Hamas to disarm, as this is the sole path to concluding this war.
The European Union is still split on the matter. Since Israel commenced its attack on Gaza, the 27 member states have been divided: nations such as Germany stress Israel’s right to self-defense, while others, like Spain, have referred to Israel’s actions as “genocide” for months.
