In a recent statement, the EU-Israel Association condemned Israel for a vast range of human rights violations in the state and “occupied Palestine territory”.

Addressing various issues, the statement noted Israel’s obligation to protect the rights of the Arab-Palestinian minority, emphasising that this issue was a core problem that had to be addressed in it’s own right.

The statement also confirmed the EU’s continuing support for human rights defenders as a “ long established element” of its human rights external relations policy, whilst condemning Israel’s practice of administrative detention.

Discussing the topic of administrative detention, the EU statement Urged Israel “to refrain from actions which may.. curtail the freedom of association and freedom of speech”

Despite the EU’s acknowledgment of the Israeli government’s violations, the EU Israel Associations statement also indicates that the EU will still strengthen economic relations with Israel.

Commenting on the EU’s actions, human rights groups: Physicians for human rights-Israel and the Public Committee Against Torture said,

“The inconsistency between the EU stand on Israel’s police towards human rights and its decision to strengthen economic ties may promote impunity. The principles of human rights, deep democracy and international law should be the main principles in EU-Israel relations and must steer any enhancement of its trade relations and must steer any enhancement of its trade relations with Israel,”