French FM: EU may reconsider relations with Israel due to war in Gaza

On May 20, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Paris supports a review of the Association Agreement between Israel and the European Union.

Barrot made the remarks in an interview with France Inter radio, per Caliber.Az.

The move is being considered as part of further steps discussed by the UK, France, and Canada in response to the war in Gaza.

The 1995 Association Agreement serves as the legal foundation for relations between the EU and Israel, covering areas such as diplomacy and trade.

According to Barrot, the humanitarian aid concessions Israel is prepared to make are "completely insufficient."

Barrot urged Israel to ensure immediate and large-scale assistance delivery without any obstacles.

Notably, the Association Agreement between Israel and the European Union, signed in 1995 and entering into force in 2000, forms the cornerstone of bilateral relations between the two parties. It is part of the EU’s broader Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (also known as the Barcelona Process), which aims to promote political stability, economic cooperation, and social development across the Mediterranean region.

The agreement provides a framework for political dialogue on shared concerns such as regional security, the peace process, and counterterrorism; economic and trade relations, granting Israel preferential access to EU markets and fostering increased trade and investment; sectoral cooperation in areas like science and technology, education, culture, and environmental protection.

A key clause in the agreement states that cooperation is based on “respect for human rights and democratic principles,” which is defined as an essential element of the partnership.

In recent years, the agreement has come under scrutiny due to EU concerns over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.  

As of May 20, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, targeting areas such as Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and the Nuseirat refugee camp. Recent airstrikes have resulted in at least 60 deaths, including women and children. The Israeli government maintains that these actions aim to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.

A total of over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, the majority being civilians, including women and children. The conflict has led to widespread destruction, with more than two-thirds of Gaza's infrastructure damaged or destroyed, leaving much of the territory in ruins. 

A severe humanitarian crisis has unfolded, with the United Nations reporting that over 500,000 people are facing imminent famine. Approximately 71,000 children require urgent treatment for malnutrition. Despite international pressure, Israel has permitted only limited humanitarian aid into Gaza.

By Khagan Isayev