EU Spokesperson Condemns Sanctions Against Human Rights Defenders, Urges Ceasefire in Gaza
BRUSSELS — The European Union has voiced strong opposition to sanctions targeting human rights defenders, calling such measures counterproductive to promoting democracy and building resilient societies.
EU spokesperson Anwar Al-Anouni told Al Arabiya, “These people must be protected, and their rights respected. Attacks or sanctions against judges, including those of the International Criminal Court, or elected representatives, are unacceptable.”
Al-Anouni emphasized that all 27 EU member states remain committed to a two-state solution, which they consider the only viable path to peace. He also urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and called on Israel to remove obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid. “The EU will continue to support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis,” he added.
Last Thursday, European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as amounting to “genocide,” becoming the first senior EU official to use such language.
Israel strongly rejected the claim. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein accused Ribera of repeating “Hamas’s propaganda,” writing on X: “We strongly condemn the Vice President’s baseless claims. Instead of echoing terms like genocide, she should have demanded the release of hostages and pushed Hamas to disarm, which is the only way this war can end.”
The EU remains divided over the conflict. Since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza, member states have been split: countries such as Germany stress Israel’s right to self-defense, while Spain and others have labeled Israel’s actions as “genocide” for months. This ongoing disagreement has hindered any unified EU response.
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