A major political bloc in the European Parliament has called for the suspension of the European Union’s cooperation agreement with Israel, staging a protest inside the parliamentary building in Brussels.
Members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the second-largest group in the parliament, displayed placards reading “Suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement Now” as they urged EU institutions to take stronger action over developments in the Middle East.
In a statement issued alongside the demonstration, the group called on the European Council to immediately suspend the agreement governing relations between the EU and Israel. The pact, in force since 2000, establishes frameworks for political dialogue, trade cooperation, and broader partnership between the two sides.
The lawmakers also shared images of the protest on the platform X, outlining a series of demands, including sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank and renewed efforts toward establishing a Palestinian state. They further called for the reconstruction of Gaza and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
The protest reflects growing divisions within the EU over its policy toward Israel amid ongoing regional conflict and humanitarian concerns. Some lawmakers have increasingly questioned whether Israel should continue to benefit from preferential terms under the long-standing agreement.
Debate over the EU-Israel relationship has intensified in recent months, as tensions in Gaza and the West Bank continue to shape political discussions within European institutions.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE