Dear President,

Honourable Members,

What was also clear from today’s meeting is that we will not let this new crisis overshadow what is happening in Gaza.

We are now 20 months into a conflict triggered by the horrific attacks of Hamas.

Israel has a right to defend itself. And Hamas should immediately release the remaining hostages. But Israel’s use of force in Gaza, the continuing deaths of civilians, and the targeting of civilian infrastructure go beyond self-defence.

Israel’s actions cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law.

At the last Foreign Affairs Council in May, it was clear that a majority of Member States were in favour of opening a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of our Association Agreement.

Article 2 imposes binding obligations on the parties to observe human rights.

This review is now underway and I will present the outcome to the Foreign Ministers on Monday.