Thirteen prominent human rights organizations in Israel sent a letter to the European Union (EU) High Representative Kaja Kallas and 27 EU foreign ministers ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. The groups called on the EU to respond decisively to Israel’s widespread and systemic violations of human rights and international law in Palestinian territories, in line with the EU-Israel Association Agreement provisions.
The groups commended the EU’s internal assessment that recognizes Israel’s “indications of violations”. However, they expressed dissatisfaction over the EU’s provision of mere humanitarian aid to Gaza while avoiding a response to Israel’s broader and systematic violations across the entire occupied Palestinian territory.
Since the intensification of armed conflict in 2023, Israel has destroyed large parts of Gaza through indiscriminate bombing that directly killed over 57,000 Palestinians. Israel has obliterated homes, hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure.
Today, nearly 80% of Gaza has become uninhabitable and residents are forced to flee. Human rights groups have received reports that the Israeli military is using Palestinian civilians as “human shields.” Many of the wounded in the West Bank are not being brought to hospitals despite the hospitals’ capability to treat them.
In the West Bank, Israel has escalated its seizure of Palestinian land. It transferred civilian authority in the area to Israeli ministers. As recently as May 2025, these ministers approved the construction of 22 new settlements for Israelis. Violence from armed Israeli civilian settlers is also worsening. Between January and June alone, 400 violent incidents were recorded, where Israelis drove away Palestinians from their own homes and farms.
Over 10,000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israeli jails and military camps. Half of them are not charged or do not have scheduled trials. This number includes more than 100 children detained under “administrative detention.” Many experience inhumane conditions, hunger, torture, and lack of medical care.
According to the Israeli groups, the EU’s focus on humanitarian aid appears to recognize and tolerate Israel’s continuing abuses. They are calling for a comprehensive response that emphasizes accountability and justice.
Signatories include the independent groups Yesh Din, HaMoked, and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
