Reacting to the European Council’s conclusions of 20 March 2025 on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory Eve Geddie, the Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office said:

“After 17 months of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the fact that the EU refuses to name Israel, condemn air strikes wiping out entire families or condemn Israel’s blocking of vital humanitarian aid is extraordinary. The EU’s position not only fails to reflect the EU’s professed commitment to international law, but also demonstrates selective compassion towards victims, particularly when they are Palestinian.

“The EU leaders’ text is another shameful attempt to justify Israel’s genocide and war crimes against Palestinians. Instead of obfuscating the facts, EU leaders should take clear and decisive action to prevent potential complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, apartheid and unlawful occupation. For too long the EU has been divided on how to respond to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, with some member states continuing to send weapons and ammunition to Israel in breach of their obligations to prevent genocide and ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions. This must end now.”