Brussels, 07/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On the eve of the informal meeting of EU27 foreign ministers (Prague, 7 January), a coalition of humanitarian NGOs from eight European countries are calling on the EU to immediately suspend any further enhancement of relations with Israel until the Israeli government agrees to a complete ceasefire and allows free humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. In a press release of 7 January, the NGOs in question underline the fact that the Israeli offensive, as well as Hamas rockets, have been the cause of “unacceptable civilian casualties”. They warn that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, already dire following the 18-month blockade, has been pushed to crisis point by the current military conflict. They expect the EU to clearly and publicly state that any partnership with the EU must be linked to respect for human rights and international law, and that it is securing action in the United Nations Security Council to adopt a binding resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire and includes effective monitoring to ensure adherence to it by both sides. “Israel has shunned diplomatic efforts by the EU and the delegation has returned empty-handed. The EU's credibility is now at stake. It is inconceivable that we should extend further benefits of European partnership to a government that violates international humanitarian law and refuses negotiation in favour of continued violence. It is time for robust EU action to bring about an immediate ceasefire and end the violence on all sides”, says Souhayr Belhassen, President of the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH).
The call is signed by: Avaaz, Broederlijk Delen (Belgium), CAFOD (Great Britain), CCFD (France), Medico international (Germany and Switzerland), Muslim Aid (Great Britain), Oxfam International, Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (Denmark), Trocaire (Ireland), United Civilians for Peace (Netherlands), and World Vision (Great Britain). (A.N./transl.jl)